Record Reviews

FEZ ~ FEZ EDEL CONTENT 4029759080527 (Barcode: 4029759080527) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1977 Released: 2012 This is a reissue (first time on CD) of the only album by the East German Jazz-Rock Fusion quartet FezFind albums by this artist, which comprised of trombonist Conrad BauerFind albums by this artist, pianist Hannes ZerbeFind albums by this artist, bassist Christoph NiemannFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter GroningFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, four of which were composed by Bauer and two by Zerbe. Although stylistically Fez belonged clearly to the Jazz-Rock Fusion, it was definitely one of the most unusual representatives of the genre. With trombone and acoustic piano as the lead instruments and a rocking rhythm section the group played a wonderful mixture of Rock oriented but sounding like Jazz tunes, which was completely unique and had no parallels neither in their country nor worldwide. All four members of the group were virtuosic musicians and their interplay and cooperation was always spotless. The original music was based on excellent melodic themes which were then improvised upon at length, as appropriate for Fusion. With a bit of imagination one can "hear" this music as performed by a lead guitar and electric keyboards, but the unusual instrumentation used here turns it into a one of a kind experience. The trombone, a much loved instrument in German Jazz (see the unprecedented work by Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and others) gets here a wonderful exposure as an all encompassing instrument, capable of bloodcurdling soloing way beyond anybody´s imagination. Bauer´s love of Free Jazz and Improvised Music can be spotted herein as well during some of the more ecstatic displays of his talents. But the three Fez members alongside Bauer also contribute some topnotch moments: Zerbe plays Funky Boogie-woogie passages, which are pure gold; Niemann plays great groves on the electric bass and Groning skillfully adds a series of polyrhythmic barrages, which add a framework to the entire proceedings. In retrospect this music still sounds incredibly fresh and innovative, regardless of the passing time. It is still so unique that it deserves to be taught at music schools as an example of a triumph of mind over body, which Bauer keeps displaying here. The fact that it is available again is a joyful opportunity to be re-discovered by the younger generation of listeners. Side Note: As all the East European countries under the Socialist regime, East Germany, or DDR as it was known at the time, had only one state owned and controlled Music Company, which released most of its productions on the AmigaFind albums on this label label. Among the many Amiga releases the legendary "orange J" series was dedicated to Jazz recordings, many of which were licenses from the West, but others were original productions, mostly of Jazz made in DDR. Some of these releases, like the one described above, were absolute gems. Following the unification of Germany, the Amiga albums disappeared from the face of the earth and only in 2012 a German label reissued 15 Amiga Jazz albums on CD. They are all worth checking out!

Updated: 11/05/2016Posted: 19/03/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MARIA JOAO ~ CONVERSA NABEL 8628 ~ PORTUGAL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1986 Released: 1986 This is the third album by Portuguese Jazz vocalist Maria JoaoFind albums by this artist, recorded with her quintet, which also includes German saxophonist / flautist Martin FredebeulFind albums by this artist, pianist Peter WalterFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter GroningFind albums by this artist and Portuguese bassist Carlos BicaFind albums by this artist. German percussionist Michael KuttnerFind albums by this artist appears as a guest. The album presents six tracks (one a medley of two songs), all except one composition by Walter originate from various sources. Joao arrived on the European Jazz scene in early 1980s via Germany, with her second and third albums released by Nabel Records and three further albums by Enja Records, which firmly established her career. From the moment I heard her at that time, she immediately became one of my favorite modern Jazz singers, and she never disappointed since, releasing many fabulous albums since. Joao incorporates many World Music elements in her music, including shades of Portuguese Fado naturally, but also South American influences, Avant-Garde and electronics. Her improvisations are simply otherwordly and absolutely amazing and her musicality and aesthetics are extraordinary by any measure. This early album already shows her immense talent and originality, and although she sings lyrics here in addition to vocalese, which is her real strength, the album still sounds brilliant, and despite the fact that it was recorded thirty-six years ago, it can still be considered groundbreaking. Overall, this is an absolutely classic modern vocal Jazz album, which is a must in any serious vocal Jazz collection. The fact that it is still available is a miracle and if anybody is interested (and everybody should be), it can be bought from the label. Don’t even hesitate for a moment!

Updated: 18/03/2022Posted: 18/03/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend