Record Reviews
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  | JULIA HULSMANN ~ IN FULL VIEW
ECM 2306 (Barcode: 602537177776) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the third album as a leader on the ECMFind albums on this label label by German pianist / composer Julia HulsmannFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with British trumpeter Tom ArthursFind albums by this artist and German bassist Marc MuellbauerFind albums by this artist and drummer Heinrich KobberlingFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen relatively short compositions, four by Hulsmann, one by Arthurs, four by Muellbauer, one by Kobberling and the remaining three originating outside of the quartet lineup. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist presiding at the controls.
The first and immediate impression the listener is exposed to on this album is the stunning trumpet / flugelhorn work by Arthurs, which brings on a potent resemblance to the work of the lamented British trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. However, soon enough it becomes very apparent that Arthurs has his very own personal voice, and the Wheeler resemblance is simply our desire to find a successor who would continue Wheeler´s magic rather than what Arthurs in fact delivers herein. But obviously Arthurs is destined to suffer from the "Wheeler likeness" syndrome for a while
But yes, Arthurs definitely steals the show on this album, as Hulsmann and the rhythm section are often reduced to an accompanying trio, which seems to suit everybody concerned just fine. Her solo work is mostly limited and she is happy to step back and leave the center stage to Arthurs, which is a very smart move under the circumstances.
The music itself suffers from a lack of compositional coherence and continuity and sounds somewhat alike for the entire duration of the album, with just slight tempi changes and limited harmonic versatility. As a result this album is a classic example of what ECM critics call "much ado about nothing".
So eventually it all boils down to this: an album that would have been altogether quite unremarkable is saved by the brilliant trumpet parts, which are fabulous but can´t really hide its flaws and weakness.
| | Updated: 11/09/2016Posted: 11/09/2016 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALEXANDER VON SCHLIPPENBACH ~ JAZZ NOW!
INTUITION 71316 (Barcode: 608917131628) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is a live album by German Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Alexander von SchlippenbachFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with bass clarinetist Rudi MahallFind albums by this artist, Italian bassist Antonio BorghiniFind albums by this artist and drummer Heinrich KobberlingFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen tracks, five of which are original compositions by von Schlippenbach, four are by Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, three are by Herbie NicholsFind albums by this artist, one is by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and finally one is an interview with von Schlippenbach.
von Schlippenbach, aged seventy-seven at the time of the recording, plays with musicians thirty to forty years his junior, and together they present their take on American Bebop music composed mostly in the 1960, transforming it into contemporary European Free Jazz environment. The fascinating result portrays the great Master and his disciples treating the original compositions with outmost respect, but also with aesthetic freedom, which characterizes the up to date standards and norms. Jazz connoisseurs, who are familiar with the original compositions, should be truly delighted with these interpretations.
Of course the instrumental performances are of the highest level, considering the brilliant abilities of the leader, which are already well established, but also of the other members of the quartet, which have all earned a well-deserved respect on the European scene, especially Mahall, whose bass clarinet performances fondly remind Dolphy’s legacy.
Overall, this is a great example of contemporary German / European Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene, which is probably the most interesting over the last couple of decades, and obviously worthy of being followed!
| | Updated: 08/10/2026Posted: 08/10/2026 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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