Record Reviews

JOHN HOLLENBECK / JAZZ BIG BAND GRAZ ~ JOYS & DESIRES INTUITION 33862 (Barcode: 750447338623) ~ CANADA ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is an album by Canadian (Born in USA) drummer / composer / bandleader John HollenbeckFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Jazz Big Band GrazFind albums by this artist and German vocalist Theo BleckmannFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, including a three-part suite, all of which are original compositions by Hollenbeck. The Big Band features some of top German and Austrian Jazz musicians, including saxophonists Christian BachnerFind albums by this artist and Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist, trombonist Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist and others. The music is a highly interesting collection of unusual compositions, which are obviously stimulating for any Big Band, but in this case the performers seem to be fully accomplished and the result is very impressive. The mixture of elements, which includes contemporary Classical music and Jazz, with some Avant-Garde tonal tendencies, creates a total ambience, which many Jazz listeners might find too challenging for their palate, but which is definitely worth investigating to expand one’s perception of Orchestral / Jazz Big Band music. Overall, this is a highly unusual Jazz Big Band album, which might surprise even the most experienced listeners, and which obviously requires open-mindedness and patience, before the complex sounds start to make sense. The effort is definitely worth it!

Updated: 13/11/2026Posted: 13/11/2026

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