Record Reviews
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  | BIG CITY BLUES / HOWLIN` WOLF ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.19
POLSKIE RADIO 1871 (Barcode: 5907812248710) ~ USA ~ Blues
Recorded: 1964 Released: 2015
This is the nineteenth installment in the new series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well.
This album is the first to feature Blues music rather than Jazz, but considering the proximity of these two genres and their historic and stylistic links this seems to be perfectly acceptable. It presents a live recording of a concert, which was a part of the seventh edition of the Jazz Jamboree Festival, which took place in 1964. The band, called Big City BluesFind albums by this artist (the City being of course Chicago, the cradle of electric Blues), which included legendary Blues figures such as bassist / vocalist Willie DixonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Hubert SumlinFind albums by this artist, pianist / vocalist Sunnyland SlimFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Albert LuandrewFind albums by this artist) and drummer James CliftonFind albums by this artist is joined by vocalist / guitarist / harmonica player Howlin` WolfFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Chester Arthur BarnettFind albums by this artist). Together the group represented some of the finest American electric Blues of the mid-1960s, which influenced the renaissance of the Blues movement, first in UK and later all over Europe. Dixon and Wolf were of course responsible for dozens of Blues standards, which are still a part of the repertoire used by Blues musicians today, fifty years later.
The album presents thirteen tracks (plus a spoken intro), many of which are true Blues Classics, well known by countless recordings by Blues and Rock artists later on. Dixon, Wolf and Slim take turns in the vocal department and Sumlin delivers some superb guitar solos, which later will be copied by hordes of young guitarist the world over. Overall the performance is highly spirited and presents a wonderful authentic glimpse at the peak of the original electric Blues. Needless to say, many young Polish Blues musicians / enthusiasts have been deeply influenced by this concert, which shaped their future careers.
The album suffers from some sonic quality problems, which obviously could not have been solved by the restoration process, but considering the historic importance of the music, all is forgiven. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Blues in Poland. Nevertheless this is an essential piece of Blues history which every Blues fan will surely consider an absolute must.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ CHANGES
MOOD 33.613 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978 Released: 1988
This is a reissue / remaster of a solo album by German Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all original compositions by Downer, which he performs using acoustic piano and other keyboards / synthesizers, which he combines using multi-tracking.
The album portrays Dauner both as a unique instrumentalist and a great composer, which made him one of the most important contributors to the German Jazz scene from the mid-1960s and almost until his death in 2020. He was of course also a co-founder of the MoodFind albums on this label Records, which released this album and an important Jazz activist / organizer on the European scene. As this album shows, his sense of melody and ability to weave sublime themes was completely unique.
Dauner’s music always encompassed cross-genre elements and he felt very comfortable playing Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Jazz-World Fusion and other idioms. His collective recorded legacy, both as a leader and sideman, includes some of the most valuable European Jazz accomplishments, including his work with the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and numerous others.
Overall, this is a wonderful collection of music composed and performed by Dauner, which remains untouched by passing time.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 17/02/2025Posted: 17/02/2025 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ DREAM TALK
L+R 710627 (Barcode: 4003099710627) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1964 Released: 2008
This is a reissue of the debut album by legendary German pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio setting with no less legendary bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and American, living in Germany, Master drummer Fred BracefulFind albums by this artist. This album, which also marks a recording debut for both Weber and Braceful, presents eight tunes, five of which are original compositions by Dauner, one is by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist, another one is by Mal WaldronFind albums by this artist (another US compatriot living in Germany) and the remaining one is a standard.
Originally recorded in 1964, this is one of the earliest German and European Jazz recordings, which symbolize the rebirth of Jazz in Europe, taking a radical step forward from the American Jazz tradition. The great Horst LippmannFind albums by this artist, my friend and founder of the L+RFind albums on this label label (named after the concert agency he managed for many years with his friend Fritz RauFind albums by this artist), makes an interesting and quite prophetic observation on the album´s original liner notes, which compares this piano trio with the legendary Bill EvansFind albums by this artist trio with bassist Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist; he states that Evans and LaFaro revolutionized the role of the bass in a piano trio, bringing the bass to an equal level with the piano, and Dauner made the same giant step with revolutionizing the role of the drums, bringing them in turn to an equal level with the piano and the bass, something Evans never managed to do in his trio. Of course there is so much more to this album than just the change of the status of the drums – it revolutionizes the piano trio mostly by inserting the huge amount of freedom and space, while maintaining a perfect order and logic, not to mention elegance and sophistication.
As Lippmann says in his liner notes to the vinyl reissue from 1980, this album was light years ahead of its time and was fully understood and appreciated by just a very small group of Jazz connoisseurs, open minded enough to grasp its significance at the time. Even today this music sounds not only completely up to date, but also absolutely stunning, although over five decades passed since it was first recorded.
In retrospect this is one of the most pivotal European Jazz recordings, taking the Jazz idiom a giant step forward into the unknown (at the time), without compromising the tradition and at the same time bravely and unwaveringly crossing over into the European aesthetic, which was erupting at the time on the Continent, strong enough to penetrate even beyond the Iron Curtain.
This is an absolutely essential piece of European Jazz history, which should find a highly respected place in every meaningful Jazz record collection anywhere in the world. Thank God this music is still available for us to enjoy and not buried away and forgotten as so many of its parallels. The remastered edition offers a spectacular sound quality. An absolute must have!
| | Updated: 25/03/2016Posted: 24/03/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ FREE ACTION
PROMISING MUSIC 44105 (Barcode: 602517554993) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2008
German pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist was one of the most important forefathers of European Jazz. A prolific composer, bandleader and activist, his contribution to the establishment of European Jazz and its emancipation from the restrains of the American Jazz tradition is truly immense. Dauner, who in addition to his musical activities, was also a prolific painter, always looked at music as an expression of an overall aesthetic / cultural point of view, with philosophical / social and even political undercurrents. Over the years Dauner created a most impressive body of work, encompassing many quite different styles and directions, spanning straightforward (but always unique) Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Free Jazz and Improvised Music.
In the mid-1970s Dauner formed the revolutionary United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist – a multi-national group of superb European players, which brought Jazz-Rock Fusion to a level of absolute Art. He also co-founded the independent MoodFind albums on this label Records label, which for many years documented some of the most important and unconventional European music (mostly Jazz). His early recordings on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label (as leader and sideman) are in retrospect perhaps the most important from the historical point of view, as they demonstrate the boldness, inspiration and urge to explore uncharted musical territories.
Encouraged and supported by the legendary Jazz critic and resident MPS producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, Dauner could freely express his visions, regardless how bold they might be, especially at the time. For this recording Dauner formed a septet, which included some of his regular cohorts like cellist / bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and American (but living in Germany) drummer Fred BracefulFind albums by this artist. He added three excellent German young players: saxophonist Gerd DudekFind albums by this artist (who would later become one of the central figures of German Improvised Music and Free Jazz), bassist Jurgen KargFind albums by this artist and drummer / tabla player Mani NeumeierFind albums by this artist (later a member of the legendary Guru GuruFind albums by this artist group). As the last member of the septet Dauner selected the then little known French virtuoso violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, who was of course destined to achieve worldwide recognition later on.
The septet performs five of Dauner’s compositions, which provide a skeletal framework for group improvisations by the band members. The double bass / drums lineup allows for complex rhythmic patterns to evolve, and of course there is plenty of space for individual solo spots, but overall the music is mostly a group effort, Dauner uses “prepared piano” (i.e. differently tuned one) to achieve some novel sound approach. In retrospect this is a superb document of the birth of European Jazz, which takes the Free Jazz idiom and pushes it (here still ever so gently) into the Improvised Music realm. The music lost none of its power and inspiration over the years and for a “first time” listener should be quite an ear opener. Kudos to Promising MusicFind albums on this label for the excellent remaster and elegant packaging of the reissue. A must!
| | Updated: 31/01/2016Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ MUSIC ZOUNDS
MPS 602498081907 (Barcode: 602498081907) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2003
German pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist is one the most important icons of the European jazz scene. Active since the early 1960’s he has been in the epicenter of the European free jazz since the mid-1960’s and then in the mid-1970’s he also expanded his activities to the jazz-rock scene by forming (with other excellent European jazz musicians) the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist. In the last two decades he concentrates on writing film music.
The piano trio, which is playing on this 1970 album, existed for several years prior to this recording, playing mostly free oriented music. Therefore, upon its release Dauner’s followers were completely taken by surprised by the music, which is a classic swinging jazz, almost a parody of swing if you wish. Obviously Dauner wanted to have a joyful, amusing look at the “middle of the road” jazz, which he does lovingly of course. Although at the first impression this music might sound as something done by George ShearingFind albums by this artist, in fact it is quite experimental and sophisticated. On top of the metronome swinging rhythm, Dauner and his phenomenal bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist perform some really hair-rising musical acrobatics. Weber wrote most of the material for this album, in addition to a couple of standards and one tune by his friend, the French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist.
When asked at the time if this album wouldn’t be in contradiction to his Avant-Garde principles, he answered: “No, I’m not narrow-minded, and I never was. I don’t care what people say about me. The main thing is that the music is good and we all dig it.” I must say I absolutely concur to that statement. This is surely one of the most “good fun” jazz albums ever recorded.
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: 28/05/2025Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ RISCHKAS SOUL
LONG HAIR 149 (Barcode: 4035177001495) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2015
This is a reissue / remaster of an early album by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader and one of the Godfathers of modern German and European Jazz, Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. Recorded in a quintet setting, and probably the first European group to feature a double drums lineup, it included also guitarist Sigi SchwabFind albums by this artist, bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) drummer Fred BracefulFind albums by this artist and German drummer Roland WittichFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, four of which are original compositions by Dauner, one is by Schwab, and finally one is a standard by Nat AdderleyFind albums by this artist. The album is accompanied by a bi-lingual (German / English) booklet with extensive background about the musicians and historical background.
The music, as expected, is absolutely brilliant, with a strong Fusiony tinge and Psychedelia, all this in addition to the Jazz sources. Although it lasts for just about half an hour, it offers a wonderful glimpse at the German scene at the time, which was developing with an astonishing speed and variety, expanding the American Jazz tradition into previously unvisited areas. It features the leader playing organ, electric piano and flute (an instrument he will rarely play on later recordings), and Weber playing electric bass guitar, which he also used very rarely in later days. Schwab plays some amazing guitar licks, which put his in the same league as other early Fusion guitarists, like German Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, or American Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, who would record with Dauner later on. The double drums offer a dense, complex rhythmic support, which creates a unique ambience.
Overall, this is a brilliant gem, which captures early European Fusion at its formative days, which is mostly completely unknown to contemporary listeners, but is truly worth its weight in gold. For Fusion enthusiasts, this is an absolute must, which shows the impetus of early days of the genre, and the contrast to its pitiful contemporary condition.
| | Updated: 17/05/2025Posted: 17/05/2025 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ THE OIMELS
LONG HAIR 059 (Barcode: 4035177000597) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2007
This is a reissue / remaster of an early album by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader and one of the Godfathers of modern German and European Jazz, Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. Recorded in a quintet setting, it also included two guitarists: Sigi SchwabFind albums by this artist and Swiss Pierre CavalliFind albums by this artist, bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and drummer Roland WittichFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, five of which are original compositions by Dauner, one is a song by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, another one is by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, and finally one is a traditional tune. The original album was released on the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label. The reissue is accompanied by a bi-lingual (German / English) booklet with extensive background about the musicians and historical background.
The music, as expected, is absolutely brilliant, with a strong Fusiony tinge and soaked in Psychedelia, all this in addition to the Jazz sources. Although it lasts for just about half an hour, it offers a wonderful glimpse at the German scene at the time, which was developing with an astonishing speed and variety, expanding the American Jazz tradition into previously unvisited areas. It features the leader playing organ and piano, Weber playing electric bass guitar, which he used very rarely in later days. Both guitarists play some amazing guitar licks, which puts them in the same league as other early Fusion guitarists, like German Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, or American Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, who would record with Dauner later on.
Overall, this is a brilliant gem, which captures early European Fusion at its formative days, which is mostly completely unknown to contemporary listeners, but is truly worth its weight in gold. For Fusion and Psychedelia enthusiasts, this is an absolute must, which shows the impetus of early days of the genre, and the contrast to its pitiful contemporary condition.
| | Updated: 20/05/2025Posted: 20/05/2025 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ TRIBUTE TO THE PAST
HGBS 20012 (Barcode: 4050486029299) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 - 2010 Released: 2010
This is a wonderful solo piano album by one of the Godfathers of German Jazz, pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. Obviously time / age is catching up with the old generation of Jazz musicians, and a strong need to re-examine their paths often creates a need to look back, mostly respectfully, on the Jazz basics, like standards and melody, even for the most Avant-Garde oriented "oppositionists", like Dauner.
The resulting album is simply delightful, with 16 relatively short pieces, most of which are indeed Jazz standards and the rest Dauner´s own compositions. Sometimes it seems almost impossible that these pieces were recorded by Dauner, especially to someone who has known Dauner´s music from day one, but that is even more enchanting. I don´t really know what else to say here – just listen to the music and regardless if you know who Dauner is and what he did in the last 50 years or not, this should sound really great to you.
An absolute must to piano solo freaks, but most Jazz connoisseurs will have a field day with this.
| | Updated: 23/05/2025Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ ZEITLAUFE
MOOD 33.007 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988
This is a solo album by German Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, each for one of the months in a year cycle (the album’s title translates into “passing of time”).
The music is completely cross-genre, and allows Dauner to combine many influences, including Folk, Classical and of course Jazz, creating a wide spectrum of themes, which he performs on several instruments, including recorder, flute but of course with the acoustic piano in the focus of attention.
Dauner (who died in 2020) was one of the main pillars of the German Jazz scene since the mid-1960s and his sublime songweaving talent and total dedication to the music placed him at the epicenter of the process of creating the post WWII scene, working alongside the great German leaders and innovators and many musicians from across Europe. His recorded legacy includes some of the finest European Jazz and Fusion albums. I had the immense pleasure to know him and met him many times, spending countless hours talking about music.
Overall, this is a little known album by Dauner, which presents his incredible composing and performing skills, mostly outside of the Jazz idiom, but by all means no less fascinating. His sensitivities as a piano player and especially prominent herein and the relaxed, minimalist setting, which was his favorite, allows an intimate meeting with his incredible talents. This is wonderful stuff from start to finish!
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 18/11/2024Posted: 19/08/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER / ET CETERA ~ ET CETERA
LONG HAIR 071 (Barcode: 4035177000719) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the debut album by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader and one of the Godfathers of modern German and European Jazz, Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist and his quintet, called Et CeteraFind albums by this artist. It was recorded in a quintet setting with the same lineup, which recorded the album “Rischkas SoulFind albums with this title” a year earlier and included also guitarist Sigi SchwabFind albums by this artist, bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) drummer Fred BracefulFind albums by this artist and German drummer Roland WittichFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in London and presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Dauner and two are by Schwab. The first five tracks were released on the original album and three are previously unreleased bonus tracks from the same session. The album is accompanied by a bi-lingual (German / English) booklet with extensive background about the musicians and historical background.
Dauner / Et Cetera released the brilliant follow up album “KnirschFind albums with this title” in 1972, which featured American guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, and which is one of Jazz-Rock Fusion absolute classics. The last album, released in 1973 yet by another lineup, was a 2LP Live recording.
The music, as expected, is absolutely brilliant, with a strong Fusiony tinge and Psychedelia, all this in addition to the Jazz and Improvised Music influences. The expanded edition lasts for just about an hour, it offers a wonderful glimpse at the German scene at the time, which was developing with an astonishing speed and variety, expanding the American Jazz tradition into previously unvisited areas. It features the leader playing organ, electric piano and flute (an instrument he will rarely play on later recordings), and Weber playing electric bass guitar, which he also used very rarely in later days. Schwab plays some amazing guitar licks, which put his in the same league as other early Fusion guitarists, like German Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, or American Larry Coryell, who would record with Dauner later on. The double drums offer a dense, complex rhythmic support, which creates a unique ambience.
Overall, this is a brilliant gem, which captures early European Fusion at its formative days, which is mostly completely unknown to contemporary listeners, but is truly worth its weight in gold. For Fusion enthusiasts, this is an absolute must, which shows the impetus of early days of the genre, and the contrast to its pitiful contemporary condition.
| | Updated: 22/05/2025Posted: 22/05/2025 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER / CHARLIE MARIANO / DINO SALUZZI ~ ONE NIGHT IN `88
MOOD 33.623 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988
This is the debut album by the trio comprising of German Jazz pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Argentinian bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist. The album presents four lengthy tracks, two composed by Saluzzi and one each by Mariano and Dauner. The album was recorded during just one studio session.
The music is a wonderful tribute to the Tango, with original music by these excellent musicians, but close in spirit to the unique Tango mood, transferred into the Jazz environment. The interplay and obvious mutual respect and comradeship prevail and the music offers many slightly different approaches to the Tango idiom, full of brilliant improvisations, as appropriate for such Masters. Saluzzi is one of my all-time favorite bandoneonists and his playing is always full of true passion.
Overall, this is almost completely unknown gem, as all the releases on the small independent MoodFind albums by this artist Records label, co-owned by Dauner, which is definitely worth searching for, as this music was created with the single purpose of making heartfelt, creative music, free of any commercial, market oriented motives.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 19/02/2025Posted: 19/02/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG DAUNER / CHARLIE MARIANO / DINO SALUZZI ~ PAS DE TROIS
MOOD 33.630 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1989 Released: 1989
This is the 2nd album by the trio comprising of German Jazz pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Argentinian bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, two each composed by Mariano and Saluzzi, one by Dauner and one by Uruguayan composer Jaime RoosFind albums by this artist.
The music is a wonderful tribute to the Tango, with original music by these excellent musicians, but close in spirit to the unique Tango mood, transferred into the Jazz environment. The interplay and obvious mutual respect and comradeship prevail and the music offers many slightly different approaches to the Tango idiom, full of brilliant improvisations, as appropriate to such Masters.
Overall, this is almost completely unknown gem, as all the releases on the small independent MoodFind albums on this label Records label, co-owned by Dauner, which is definitely worth searching for, as this music was created with the single purpose of making heartfelt, creative music, free of any commercial, market oriented motives.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 18/11/2024Posted: 09/09/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SONJA KRISTINA ~ SONJA KRISTINA
MARKET SQUARE 140 (Barcode: 5030094123427) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 - 1985 Released: 2006
Following the demise of the legendary band Curved AirFind albums by this artist in 1976, their soloist Sonja KristinaFind albums by this artist continued her career as a solo artist, with a few attempted Curved Air reunions over the years. This, her eponymous first solo album, which was recorded with her band EscapeFind albums by this artist, proves that she lost none of her vitality over the years and her magical and unique voice was still at full bloom. Accompanied by a great group of musicians, including her Curved Air partner violinist Darryl WayFind albums by this artist (who at the time was leading his group WolfFind albums by this artist), she delivers a splendid set of songs, some of which include her lyrics. Although the album suffers slightly from the dreadful 1980s production standards, this can be easily put aside in view of her magnetic presence. The bonus tracks are especially interesting, as they include the only single (A/B) recorded by the 1984 Curved Air reunion called “Renegade” and an ultra rare Kristina single from 1985, recorded with the band TunisFind albums by this artist. The album is a must have for all Curved Air fans and all people who are mesmerized by Kristina’s unique vocal delivery.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG LACKERSCHMID ~ LAKE GENEVA
HIPJAZZ 015 (Barcode: 4250095882845) ~ GERMANY ~ Smooth Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 2018
This is a reissue of an album by German Jazz vibraphonist / composer Wolfgang LackerschmidFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with American guitarist Chuck LoebFind albums by this artist and bassist John LeeFind albums by this artist and Danish percussionist Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, three each by Lackerschmid, Loeb and Lee and one by Mazur. This remastered edition adds one bonus track.
The music is a typical American influenced Fusion, which resembles music played by other ensembles at the time, especially Steps AheadFind albums by this artist led by American vibraphonist Mike MainieriFind albums by this artist, of which Loeb was a member. The music is very melodic and easy on the ear, bordering on Smooth Jazz, but always elegant and solid. The compositions are kept within a defined harmonic framework, serving as basis for lengthy improvisations, mostly by Loeb. Of course the performances are highly professional, as appropriate of musicians of this class.
Overall this is a very pleasant album, enjoyable like an afternoon breeze, but not very ambitious musically. A nice groove and a relaxed mood are the main elements this music stands for. This is ideal for listeners who like American Fusion / Groove music with a lot of gentle guitar work up front. Although this music is over two decades old, it is still perfectly valid within the Smooth Jazz framework.
| | Updated: 08/07/2018Posted: 08/07/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JEAN-LUC PONTY & WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ LIVE AT THE BERN JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011
MPS 4029759171393 (Barcode: 4029759171393) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2022
This is an archival live album by the duo comprising of French violinist / composer Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and German pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, four composed by Dauner, three by Ponty and one is a medley of standards. Six tracks are violin / piano duets and one each are violin / piano soli.
Ponty and Dauner met in the late 1960s and performed together often at the time. When Ponty moved to the US, the connection was broken for a long time, and was renewed only in the mid-1990s, when they formed a duo together, which was recorded some years later at the Bern Festival by Swiss Radio. Following Dauner’s death in 2020, Ponty pushed for this performance to be released, and this is the result.
Both Ponty and Dauner are Giants of European Jazz, each active in his own sphere, both originating in traditional Jazz but later on pushing the boundaries of the genre in different sub-genres. Ponty moved directly into Jazz-Rock Fusion and Dauner flirted with Avant-Garde Jazz and later on also with Fusion, both being formidable instrumentalists and superb composers.
The album is a wonderful example of the “Art of the Duo”, which time after time proves that Jazz duos are probably the most challenging and also the most rewarding settings, which enable for the individual musicians to shine and for the duo to explore telepathic communication and mutual respect.
Overall, this album brings to light an unknown chapter in the life of two great European Jazz musicians, and is a true feast of talent and Jazz Art, performed by two true Geniuses. A joy to have this music available and a true must have for European Jazz fans!
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: 24/03/2022Posted: 24/03/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ AT YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY / 7
BGO 336 (Barcode: 5017261203366) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 1996
3rd and 7th albums by US Rockers extraordinaire SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, led by charismatic lead singer John KayFind albums by this artist, who also penned most of their material, presented here as a twofer. "At Your Birthday PartyFind albums with this title" was released following the two monster predecessors, which shaped the US Rock in many respects, and were truly impossible to follow. No wander the album was received coldly by critics, who considered it a much weaker release at the time, but in retrospect it is quite an excellent album in every respect. Rather that follow the pattern established by the two earlier albums, the band intentionally took a step back from the bluesy influences and expanded their repertoire to include Rock ballads, which worked out quite well. Considering the fact that the band was producing two albums yearly in the first phase of their existence, the entire output is truly amazing and definitely underappreciated. "7Find albums with this title" was the one before the last album recorded by the original incarnation of the band and is one of their strongest efforts, with excellent songwriting and perfect execution. It was their swan song in many respects, as the band would fall apart soon after, with just one more release up their sleeves. Although the band reformed later and in fact exists to this very day, the first glorious years and the first 8 albums are absolute Rock classics, sadly mostly forgotten and underappreciated. So here is a chance to re-examine their output and take another view at this great band, don´t miss it!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ EARLY STEPPENWOLF / FOR LADIES ONLY
BGO 691 (Barcode: 5017261206916) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1971 Released: 2005
4th and 8th albums by US group SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, which are in fact the earliest and the latest recordings by this band during their initial period of activity. It is quite astonishing to see how the group developed and changed in the short period of four years, with this change reflecting well the overall music scene dramatic developments during that period. Surprisingly (or perhaps not) "Early SteppenwolfFind albums with this title" was not really recorded by Steppenwolf, but by the group SparrowFind albums by this artist, which is the first outfit formed by vocalist John KayFind albums by this artist in Canada, and which eventually settled down on the West Coast and changed the name to Steppenwolf (with some minor lineup changes). Recorded live at the legendary SF "Matrix" club (owned by Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist´s Marty BalinFind albums by this artist), the album is a phenomenal document of the West Coast music scene in 1967, when Rock music, heavily spiced by Psychedelic influences, was breaking all the barriers and moving forward at an incredible pace. The album includes an 21+ minutes version of "The Pusher", which is in fact a freely improvised modern music, having really very little to do with Rock per se, and being closer to Free Improvised Music or Contemporary Classical Music, with extended instrumental improvisations, sound effects, dramatic crescendos, etc. The atmosphere is not far removed form what other West Coast bands were doing at the time, with similar live recordings by the DoorsFind albums by this artist, Jefferson Airplane and Grateful DeadFind albums by this artist serving as proof. "For Ladies OnlyFind albums with this title", in complete contrast to its companion, presents a completely different musical approach, although separated by mere four years. The group was now past its commercial peak, reached with the release of their first two albums, and with a solid Blues-Rock / Hard Rock image and strong songwriting serving as their forte. For their swan song they mellowed up quite a bit, dedicating the album to the ladies in their lives and expressing a strong feminist view, quite contrary to usual chauvinistic approach of most Rock musicians. The songwriting and playing is still very strong, but it´s quite clear that the band was running out of wind and it was time to quit. Kay and various version of Steppenwolf were to appear again in the future and record more albums, but nothing ever would come close to the first eight glorious albums. A classic!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ LIVE
BGO 412 (Barcode: 5017261204127) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 1998
6th album by US Rockers extraordinaire SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist and the only official live recording (originally a double LP) by the classic lineup of the group, which was recorded at various locations in early 1970, when the group was touring supporting their latest studio album "MonsterFind albums with this title". They perform several tracks from the latest album, as well as a selection of their classic material from earlier albums. The group was in top form at the time and their performances are strong and convincing, with John KayFind albums by this artist firmly in the lead. Apart from the musical content, which is excellent, it is also a great opportunity to hear Kay´s commentary when introducing the tunes, which reflects upon the social / political upheaval in the US at the time, with Rock musicians often in the forefront of the struggle. Rock obviously had a serious role as a means of expression and active platform at the time, when most rockers were intelligent enough to have something to say in addition to playing music, times sadly long gone by now. This album can be used as a time machine; just crank up the volume, relax, close your eyes and here you go 40 years back in time, when Rock was Rock and music was music. Enjoy!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ MONSTER
BGO 0126 (Barcode: 5017261201263) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 1992
5th album by US Rockers extraordinaire SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, led by charismatic lead singer John KayFind albums by this artist, who also penned most of their material, which is a great example of how Rock music became a most potent weapon during the social / political upheaval in the US at the time of its release. Most of the songs on this album are full of bitterness and sarcasm and bear strong commentary on the American political system and of course its involvement in the Vietnam War. Kay, as most rockers at the time, was a representative of the rebellious young generation, which looked upon politicians with disgust and despise, letting his opinion to be heard. Considering Rock´s immense popularity at the time, performers had a wide audience and therefore were widely influential, which was a major factor in their struggle for change.
Of course in retrospect we all know that governments remained corrupt and often immoral, but the struggle brought these issues to the awareness of an entire generation.
As to the music, it is as good as all Steppenwolf material at the time, although mostly dismissed by critics, which for some reason never really "got" the band´s fortes. This is Classic Rock, well written and well performed, which withstands the tides of time sans any inferiority complex. For the generation that never heard this music at the time it was created, here is an opportunity to plunge into history and enjoy it while doing it.
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ SLOW FLUX / HOUR OF THE WOLF
ACADIA 8109 (Barcode: 805772810921) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2006
This is a reissue of the ninth and tenth albums by the great American Rock band SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, led by the German born charismatic vocalist / songwriter John KayFind albums by this artist. These two albums were recorded after the band was inactive for a couple of years, during which Kay released his two solo albums ("Forgotten Songs & Unsung HeroesFind albums with this title" and "My Sportin` LifeFind albums with this title"), and is therefore considered as a reunion effort (first of several to come later). Founding group members: keyboardists Goldy McJohnFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerry EdmontonFind albums by this artist are also present with bassist George BiondoFind albums by this artist and new lead guitarist Bobby CochranFind albums by this artist. McJohn was replaced by keyboardist Andy ChapinFind albums by this artist on the second album included here.
"Slow FluxFind albums with this title" is an excellent effort in the best Steppenwolf tradition, with strong rockers many of which are stylistically similar to the band´s best earlier efforts. The refreshed lineup works well, the songwriting is strong and Kay´s vocals are vibrant and expressive as always.
"Hour Of The WolfFind albums with this title" is less impressive, but it offers some new arrangement / production aspects, like the usage of brass, which present new facets of the band´s music, which are less Blues / Hard Rock oriented.
Overall in retrospect these are still two strong albums by one of the best American Classic Rock bands, which managed to record two albums a year during the early years of its existence, before music on the whole slumped by the mid-1970s. Fans of the band should find this a most refreshing experience and a superb trip down the memory lane. Definitely worth investigation!
| | Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ STEPPENWOLF / THE SECOND
BGO 450 (Barcode: 5017261204509) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 1999
1st and 2nd albums by the classic US (of Canadian origin) band SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, which epitomize not only the birth of American Rock, but also the atmosphere and state of mind of the young generation during the turbulent times of the Social upheaval in the late 1960s. Steppenwolf´s origins go back about a couple of years before the music included here was recorded, when Canadian singer John KayFind albums by this artist (a German immigrant) formed the band SparrowFind albums by this artist. After Sparrow disbanded Kay formed a new band, which he named Steppenwolf – a title of an influential novel by the German / Swiss author Hermann HesseFind albums by this artist (one of the most widely read authors in the late 1960s, whose mystical and philosophical ideology and love of the orient and the occult appealed to the hippie generation – yours truly included). Their debut album, which included the monster hit "Born To Be Wild", became an instant classic and was soon after immortalized, when Dennis HopperFind albums by this artist included the song in the soundtrack of his cult classic movie "Easy Rider" (one of the first US independent cinema productions created outside of the Hollywood dominated movie industry), which became a visual anthem of the era, and in turn made the song the era´s musical anthem. This mega success worked (in retrospect) against the band´s interest, as they remain conceptually linked to the phenomenal success of that one song and as a result both listeners and critics kept neglecting and diminishing their overall output, which was always excellent and surely deserved more recognition of their talent (see the pitiful entry on the band in All Music Guide). Kay was a formidable singer / songwriter and his charisma and vocal ability was as powerful and striking as the charisma of many other singers, who became legends of their time (i.e. Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist). The band´s other members were all great instrumentalist and the guitar / organ layers of sound, which characterized their music, are classic examples of early Hard Rock at its best. Moving between Blues, Blues-Rock, Rock and Hard-Rock, those two albums truly define the musical era they represent and influenced hordes of other Rock bands to follow suit. The tunes, usually based on unforgettable riffs, are all delivered passionately and confidently, sounding as fresh today as they were when heard for the first time, and perhaps even better, as this music ages well, as does good wine. If the term "Classic Rock" has any meaning at all, it applies to this music better that to most of the stuff that is often associated with it. I can´t imagine any decent record collection, which does not include these two albums.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WARREN WOLF ~ CONVERGENCE
MACK AVENUE 1105 (Barcode: 673203110526) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is an album by American vibraphonist / composer Warren WolfFind albums by this artist, recorded with a stellar lineup, which features pianist Brad MehldauFind albums by this artist (on five tunes), guitarist John ScofieldFind albums by this artist (on two tunes), bassist Christian McBrideFind albums by this artist and drummer Jeff WattsFind albums by this artist. It presents eleven tracks, six of which are original compositions by Wolf and five are standards (the last tune is a medley of a standard and a Classical piece).
Sadly the stellar lineup is unable to save this album from the terrible boredom that it offers to the listener. In fact this album epitomizes everything that is wrong with American Jazz: it is outdated, unimaginable, derivative and simply tedious. The original compositions are unremarkable and the standards played here offer absolutely nothing that was not already stated thousands of times before. No ambition, no imagination, no effort…
Of course these musicians can play, and they do play very well, but the result remains dull and unimpressive, similar to thousands of other mainstream American albums recorded every year and all sounding exactly the same. The two tracks with Scofield at least offer his remarkable power of expression, but that is by far not enough to save this album from complete failure.
The funny thing is of course reading the reviews of this album, written by American critics (look them up). They all think this album is remarkable, outstanding and fabulous, which of course goes to show that the entire American Jazz scene is simply completely hypocritical and rotten. Saying that Wolf is the next Milt JacksonFind albums by this artist or Bobby HutchersonFind albums by this artist is an insult to these two great pioneers. Wolf plays well technically but his playing offers no innovation or progress which was the trademark of all great vibraphonists (or Jazz musicians in general) before him.
In short this is just another boring American mainstream album, which sounds nice and lets the listener tap his feet to the steady rhythm, requiring zero intellectual effort to listen to the music, which simply washes off the listener´s mind instantly when the music is over.
| | Updated: 04/11/2016Posted: 04/11/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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