New releases
Zurich Jazz Orchestra & Steffen Schorn – “Dedications”
The European jazz scene boasts a number of world class professional Big Bands, all with their own rich history and tradition. The Zurich Jazz Orchestra, founded in 1995, undoubtedly belongs to this exclusive club.
Bending Times – “Songs of Faith / Glaubenslieder”
There can hardly be a more fitting time for the album “SONGS OF FAITH – Glaubenslieder”, Bending Times’ presentation of arrangements and compositions based on chorales which, for centuries, have given solace and encouragement to countless people throughout every imaginable crisis. Lines like “He will find paths your feet can follow” or “who freely helps us in this time of need that has befallen us” have a special echo in these insecure times.
Mareille Merck LARUS – “Fadenschlag”
With there way of playing together and being focused on dynamics the three musicians create atmosphere and space. Sometimes you feel hugged by warm sounds, nearly weightless, and then you find yourself in the middle of a hurricane where you don’t know what is up or down and the feeling of speed roars in your ears.
Rüdiger Baldauf – ”Strawberry Fields“
#1 Apple Music “Jazz Szene: Deutschland“ –
The Beatles in a different way.
A consistently creative homage.
“Rüdiger Baldauf’s arrangements are great and the soloists well chosen”. (Jazz ’n’ More, Jan./Feb. 2021)
Katarzyna Myćka & Conrado Moya – “Marimba Synergy” – Bach: Goldberg Variations
The versatility, the delicacy, the subtlety and the ethereal quality of the sound of the marimbas raises us up onto that spiritual plane that is such a feature of Bach‘s music. Small miracles do occur.
Soulcrane feat. Matthew Halpin – “Another Step We Take”
“Another Step We Take is a must for those who want to feel and enjoy the essence of sounds.“ (Jazz ’n’ more)
– “This album is highly recommended.” (Jazz in Europe)
– With alternating dialogues, finely crafted melodies and accentuated statements, the playing of the three musicians from Cologne is reminiscent of an intimate yet enthusiastic conversation between good friends.
Erik Leuthäuser – In the Land of Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent (Live at A-Trane Berlin)
In the mid-1970s, the American singer Irene Kral recorded the albums “Where Is Love” and “Gentle Rain” with the pianist Alan Broadbent. These two records, almost unsurpassable in their intimacy and authenticity, were then nearly forgotten for close to half a century. Together with pianist Wolfgang Köhler, the Berlin-based singer Erik Leuthäuser is now taking these wonderful gems up again. Over forty years later, and with a dazzling transparency, they allow the pieces to sound almost provocative in their very personal nature.
Peter Fessler – Solo Time
Peter Fessler, of Canadian-German descent, is probably the only jazz musician from Germany who has ever had a global hit. As the singer of Latin jazz band Trio Rio (1983–1987), he created a true evergreen with the hit “New York – Rio – Tokyo”.
Sónia Pinto – Why Try To Change Me Now
The singer Sónia Pinto was born in Porto, northern Portugal, as the opening line of her biography states. But the first thought that this bit of information brings to mind is “Portugal? = Fado!”… Far from it!
Mia Brentano’s River of Memories. A Mystery Trip
Mia Brentano opens up a very individual, very personal cosmos for us here, even more so than on her first CD. Her music is very entertaining, very diverse, but nevertheless unique. Just listen for yourself – there is nothing like it.
Adi Becker – “Babbelou”
Music that touches your mind and soul. Music that provides for relaxing conversation as well as stimulating the intellect. Music that grooves like the devil, compelling you to listen with its intelligent compositions. Music that serves up a solid big band sound and that celebrates finely-shaped melodies. Music that pays stylistic tribute to easy going jazz, as well as refining pop music pearls with its arrangements, and exploring musical depths …
Gregor Lisser Double Quartet – “On Eleven”
“Top album of the year 2019” (Jazz in Europe) –
On Eleven is music which allows you to feel the vastness, that gives you the room to breathe – that provides equal nourishment for the mind and the soul. It lets you forget time by making time come alive!
Patrick Deltenre, Ivan Paduart – “Hand in Hand”
Hand in Hand – an album title that contains two meanings. Firstly, it of course reflects the artists’ collaboration as a duo; two creative individuals pursuing a musical goal together. Secondly, it is the combination of two harmonic instruments; their sounds are interwoven in such a way that individuality is maintained, while at the same time, a genuine dialogue is created rather than simple musical duplication.
Big Band der Deutschen Oper Berlin – “A Soul Journey”
Some projects can seem like haut cuisine recipes: the long list of ingredients alone can have chefs quaking in their boots. But then again, the mere thought of the delights to come can set the mouth watering …
Miriam Ast & Victor Gutierrez – “Secret Songs”
Secret Songs has become a very personal album. The two artists play mostly their own compositions, together with a few special arrangements of well-known jazz standards. Miriam Ast‘s vocals and Victor Gutierrez‘s piano playing enter into an intense musical dialogue that is characterized by warm and lyrical sounds, experimental and free-form passages, and virtuoso improvisations.