Record Reviews

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ INSIDE: MISSING LINK MPS 4029759178699 (Barcode: 4029759178699) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of the iconic double album by the German guitarist / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, which was his third album as a leader and the second release on the MPSFind albums on this label label. Although recorded during the same session, the material was split into two parts, each on one LP (and now CD). CD1 was recorded by an octet and features a brass section. It includes three prominent British Jazz musicians: saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The other players are German Jazz musicians: trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist and bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. Dutch percussionist Cees SeeFind albums by this artist completes the lineup. The CD presents four tracks, three of which are original compositions by Kriegel and one is an arrangement of a tune by Brazilian composer Edu LoboFind albums by this artist. Three of the tracks last for over ten minutes and the music is strongly Jazz oriented, including some Free Jazz accents. CD2 was recorded by a quintet, without the brass and including Taylor, Weber, See and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. This CD presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Kriegel, one is by Weber and one by Brazilian composer Caetano VelosoFind albums by this artist. The music is more Fusion oriented and the tracks are much shorter, with only one crossing the ten minutes in duration. In retrospect this is definitely one of the fines examples of European Jazz-Rock Fusion, with a stellar lineup and absolutely brilliant musicianship and compositions. Kriegel was sadly underappreciated at the time, but his complete discography, including several excellent posthumous releases, definitely points out that he was a pivotal figure in European Jazz and Fusion. Overall, this an absolute must have for every Fusion connoisseur, and one of the most important albums of the genre. Combining the best players from the leading European Fusion scenes at the time: Germany and UK, the music spark with inventiveness, virtuosity and innovation, completely absent from the current Fusion scene. This long awaited reissue fills a major gap in the European Fusion discography and the recorded legacy of Volker Kriegel. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 18/11/2023Posted: 18/11/2023

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ SPECTRUM MPS 4029759124139 (Barcode: 4029759124139) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the second album (and his first release on the MPSFind albums on this label label) by legendary German guitarist / composer Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded with a dreamy quintet, which also includes British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, German bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist, Dutch percussionist Cees SeeFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. It presents seven original compositions, all by Kriegel. It is truly tragic that so many of the greatest musicians in this world are totally unknown to the vast majority of the listeners. Kriegel is one of those undiscovered geniuses, who reached only scarcely few listeners outside of his native country. He begun to play jazz in the early 1960’s on the burgeoning (at that time) Frankfurt jazz scene led by the Mangelsdorff brothers (Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist). At the time this music was recorded European Jazz was already enjoying its fully developed individual voice and the burgeoning German scene was one of its epicenters. Kriegel is credited as the father of the German Jazz-Rock Fusion due to his abundant activities from the late 1960’s on, when his guitar work and incredible compositions made him a leader in that field. He was the guitarist of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, the quartet led by the US Avant-Garde vibraphone player who lived in Germany at that time and later he recorded a series of groundbreaking solo albums as well as albums with his group Mild Maniac OrchestraFind albums by this artist, all recorded for the MPS label. In 1976 Kriegel was one of the co-founders of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist – Europe’s most important Jazz-Rock outfit for years to come. Kriegel died in 2003 at the age of 59. "SpectrumFind albums with this title" is in retrospect is a monster achievement – surely one of the best Jazz-Rock Fusion albums ever. It also offers a lot of freedom at the improvisational layer. Although incredibly advanced in his musical concepts, Kriegel´s guitar playing is always melodic and crystal clear, even if he flies all over the guitar neck with the speed of lightning. He gets excellent support from his fellow musicians, especially from the superb Taylor, whose work on the electric piano here is simply mind-blowing. Add to this his gorgeous compositions and you have in your hands an album that after you hear it you’ll wander how come you never discovered it earlier? Well, surely better late than never! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 21/02/2018

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS ART OF GROOVE 80192 (Barcode: 885513801920) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1968 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of the debut album by the German Jazz / Fusion guitar virtuoso / composer Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist. The original album featured Kriegel in a trio setting with bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist and Dutch drummer Cees SeeFind albums by this artist on side A of the LP, and in a quartet setting with Brazilian born resident in Germany vibraphonist Claudio SzenkarFind albums by this artist, bassist Gunter LenzFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist on side B of the LP. The original album was expanded for this reissue with the addition of seven live tracks recorded at the same period as the studio recording, featuring additional musicians active on the German scene at the time, like American (living in Europe) clarinetist Tony ScottFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Gustl MayerFind albums by this artist, drummer Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist and a few others. The original album includes four original compositions by Kriegel, a couple of Beatles songs arrangements and one traditional piece. Kriegel emerges as an extraordinary guitar player, who despite his young age presents a refined stylistic approach well beyond the ordinary. Although still very much rooted in the Jazz tradition, Kriegel moves away from the mainstream rigidity and pushes into a new territory, pioneering the emerging Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, which for him is not yet completely crystallized at the time, but already shows highly advanced forward thinking about harmony and rhythmic patterns. As future was about to reveal, these early ideas were about to develop rapidly and Kriegel was about to create some of the most noteworthy European Jazz / Fusion moments in the years to follow. Already at this early stage Kriegel shows his affinity towards the vibraphone, which would become a faithful partner to his guitar throughout his career. The clearly defined sound of the vibraphone is undoubtedly a perfect partner to the precise sounds Kriegel produces on his guitar, using no sound effects or vibrato, with every note being absolutely crystal clear and perfectly articulated. The guitar / vibraphone collaborations Kriegel recorded later on were an integral part of his unique sound, which still remains unmatched decades later. The original compositions show Kriegel´s talent as a composer, which was no less spectacular than his performing abilities. Incorporating ethnic scales, odd meters and unusual melody twists, his music remained distinctive and idiosyncratic till his tragically premature death. He was an intellectual and was nor ashamed to admit it, and a multi-talented artist, which his later life was about to expose, and his music was always both highly emotional and deeply intellectual, with an advanced aesthetic sense of beauty. This is a most welcome reissue initiative, bringing back to life a little know gem of early European Fusion, which surely deserves to be heard by the new generation of music lovers. Although not specified on the albums packaging, the original master tapes were probably remastered, as the sound quality is nothing short of spectacular. Obviously this album is a highly recommended piece of music history, which still bites stronger than most other music made today. Not to be missed!

Updated: 22/04/2016Posted: 22/04/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

DAVE PIKE SET ~ AT STUDIO 2 B.FREE 6227/28 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016 This is an archival album by American vibraphonists / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The 2CD set presents a live concert recording at the German radio, which includes eleven tracks, ten of which are original compositions by the quartet members. The material includes mostly compositions included on the quartet´s albums "Noisy Silence-Gentle NoiseFind albums with this title", "Infra-RedFind albums with this title" and "AlbumFind albums with this title" and is beautifully recorded, as usual with the German radio recordings. The information about the composers of the individual tracks and other details is less than sketchy. The music is a superb example of early European Fusion, which flourished at the time. Although an American, Pike lived in Germany for years and his attitude towards Jazz was always more European than traditionally American. The Dave Pike Set, which recorded for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, was without a doubt one of the most unique and forward thinking early Fusion ensembles. The extraordinary combination of talents within the quartet members resulted in a series of first rate albums recorded during the quartet´s short lived career. The presence of Volker Kriegel was a major factor which turned these recordings into pure gold. He was the greatest European Fusion guitarist at the time and a sublime composer, and in retrospect every note he produced during his recording career is absolutely priceless. Listening to this music almost half a Century after it was recorded clearly shows how ahead of its time it was at the time of its recording and how relevant and still sounds today. The fact that the only composition on this album, which does not originate within the quartet, is a Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist piece, which gets here a breathtaking almost nineteen minutes long interpretation, is of course hardly surprising as Zappa was similarly way ahead of his time (at any time). The polyrhythmic layers and melodic complexity is still stunning today and the individual performances by all the quartet members are nothing short of amazing. Kriegel´s work is of course simply phenomenal. Overall this is a masterpiece and an absolute must have for all Fusion heads anywhere on this planet. For people who are not familiar with the Dave Pike Set output this is a wonderful entry point and any serious Fusion album collection would not be complete without this album in it. Beyond essential!

Updated: 30/06/2018Posted: 30/06/2018

CD 2 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend

DAVE PIKE SET ~ FOUR REASONS MPS 602527462240 (Barcode: 602527462240) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2011 This is a reissue of the second album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his European quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions (one a medley of two tunes), three each by Pike and Kriegel and two by Rettenbacher. Pike moved to Germany in the late 1960s, like many other American musicians, in order to find more response to innovation and artistic appreciation of Jazz. He was signed by the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label and released six albums for the label with the Dave Pike Set between 1969 and 1972. An additional 2CD album was released in 2016 ("At Studio 2Find albums with this title") presenting a radio broadcast from the same period. Although short-lived, the Dave Pike Set recorded some of the most advanced music at the time, combining Jazz with World Music, early Fusion and many Avant-Garde elements, crating a unique European Jazz sound, in spite of the fact that the leader was an American. Much of the credit goes of course the contribution of Kriegel´s highly idiosyncratic compositions and masterly guitar work and the rhythm section ability to swing in free time. In retrospect this music sounds often more advanced and sophisticated than most of what is being released today, especially as far as innovation and originality is concerned. Although recorded over fifty years ago it is still completely relevant and original. Brilliant stuff! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/08/2020Posted: 06/07/2020

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DAVE PIKE SET ~ INFRA-RED MPS 602527148649 (Barcode: 602527148649) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2011 This is a reissue of the fourth album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his European quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, three by Kriegel, two each by Rettenbacher and Pike, and one composition co-composed by all four members of the quartet. Pike moved to Germany in the late 1960s, like many other American musicians, in order to find more response to innovation and artistic appreciation of Jazz. He was signed by the legendary MPS label and released six albums for the label with the Dave Pike Set between 1969 and 1972. An additional 2CD album was released in 2016 ("At Studio 2Find albums with this title") presenting a radio broadcast from the same period. Although short-lived, the Dave Pike Set recorded some of the most advanced music at the time, combining Jazz with World Music, early Fusion and many Avant-Garde elements, crating a unique European Jazz sound, in spite of the fact that the leader was an American. Much of the credit goes of course the contribution of Kriegel´s highly idiosyncratic compositions and masterly guitar work and the rhythm section ability to swing in free time. In retrospect this music sounds often more advanced and sophisticated than most of what is being released today, especially as far as innovation and originality is concerned. Although recorded over fifty years ago it is still completely relevant and original. Brilliant stuff! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 25/09/2020Posted: 28/08/2020

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DAVE PIKE SET ~ LIVE AT THE PHILHARMONIE PROMISING MUSIC 44101 (Barcode: 602517545632) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist was one of quite a few American Jazz musicians, who left the US and settled in Europe in the late 1960s, stifled by the atmosphere of the US scene at the time, which seemed to them as limiting and confining, especially in comparison to the exciting and flourishing developments happening in Europe at the time. Settling in Germany, Pike formed a quartet with three wonderful German musicians: guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist, which he called the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist. The quartet was signed by the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label and recorded a series of albums for the label, of which this was the third and the only live recording. Recorded at a concert, which was presented during the 1969 edition of the Berliner Jazztage Festival, the quartet flies gracefully through a set of original compositions (mostly by Pike and Kriegel), presenting a refreshing use of the vibraphone / guitar dual lead and a splendidly inventive, but solid support by the rhythm section. The compositions are quite different from each other stylistically, but always top-notch, with plenty of space for extended solos. Kriegel proves to be the most inventive player of the quartet and his amazing inventions and brilliant technique clearly show his early steps on his way to become one of Europe’s best Jazz and later Jazz-Rock Fusion players ever. It is interesting to compare the Dave Pike Set with the Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist quartet, one of the most interesting American Jazz ensembles at the time, which also featured the vibraphone / guitar (Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist) double lead and experimented with time signatures and early Fusion, Psychedelics and World Music excursions. The similarities are truly quite amazing. In retrospect the music lost none of its charm and adventurous nature and remains a splendid example of the European scene at the time. Superbly remastered and elegantly packaged by Promising MusicFind albums on this label, this is a treasure and a great trip down the memory lane. Hopefully the other MPS recordings by this group will follow soon. Brilliant!

Updated: 28/08/2020Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DAVE PIKE SET ~ NOISY SILENCE – GENTLE NOISE MPS 602527148632 (Barcode: 602527148632) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2011 This is a reissue of the debut album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his European quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, five by Kriegel, two by Rettenbacher and one by Pike, and one composition by Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. Pike moved to Germany in the late 1960s, like many other American musicians, in order to find more response to innovation and artistic appreciation of Jazz. He was signed by the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label and released six albums for the label with the Dave Pike Set between 1969 and 1972. An additional 2CD album was released in 2016 ("At Studio 2Find albums with this title") presenting a radio broadcast from the same period. Although short-lived, the Dave Pike Set recorded some of the most advanced music at the time, combining Jazz with World Music, early Fusion and many Avant-Garde elements, crating a unique European Jazz sound, in spite of the fact that the leader was an American. Much of the credit goes of course the contribution of Kriegel´s highly idiosyncratic compositions and masterly guitar work and the rhythm section ability to swing in free time. In retrospect this music sounds often more advanced and sophisticated than most of what is being released today, especially as far as innovation and originality is concerned. Although recorded over fifty years ago it is still completely relevant and original. Brilliant stuff! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 26/08/2020

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend