Jazz

Altfrid M. Sicking – “I AM”

Altfrid M. Sicking – “I AM”

With I AM, Altfrid M. Sicking has fulfilled a long-cherished wish during the pandemic forced break: After decades as a sideman, permanent soloist in the Götz Alsmann Band and as a university lecturer in Münster and at the Folkwang in Essen, the vibraphonist and marimba specialist has rounded up a few favorite colleagues to record an album under his own name exclusively with original compositions.

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Bending Times – “Songs of Faith / Glaubenslieder”

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.

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Mareille Merck LARUS – “Fadenschlag”

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.

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Soulcrane feat. Matthew Halpin – “Another Step We Take”

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.

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Erik Leuthäuser – In the Land of Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent (Live at A-Trane Berlin)

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.

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Peter Fessler – Solo Time

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”.

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Adi Becker – “Babbelou”

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 …

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Patrick Deltenre, Ivan Paduart – “Hand in Hand”

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.

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Gisela Berndt & Band – “Nach Norden”

Gisela Berndt & Band – “Nach Norden”

“Come on, I’ll paint our colours for you on the wide walls of the house …” That’s a line from a song by Gisela Berndt, and that’s exactly what happens when this singer-songwriter from Cologne opens her lyrical paintbox for us. Gisela Berndt paints – with her lyrics and with her voice.

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Peter Hedrich – “New Hope”

Peter Hedrich – “New Hope”

A unique tribute to the great master Jiggs Whigham, played and expanded by Peter Hedrich, a rising star on the trombone. And appearing as guest of honour on three of the pieces – Jiggs Whigham himself. New Hope is a unique audio document from the 1970s dressed up in brand new clothes!

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Denis Gäbel – “The Good Spirits”

Denis Gäbel – “The Good Spirits”

“An early candidate for any best-of 2018 list.” (Hans-Bernd Kittlaus, JazzPodium) – “I’d been thinking about heading out to record an album in New York, which for me is the most inspirational jazz source, ever since I did part of my studies there in 2006. Two years ago I heard Clarence Penn again in New York’s ‘Smalls’, and I suddenly decided – I can pull this off! I really wanted to capture that special sound and the energy of the local scene”

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Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra – “Hits! Vol. 1”

Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra – “Hits! Vol. 1”

Ed Partyka’s Jazz Orchestra (EPJO) was launched in Berlin in 2007 – its hallmark is the distinctive, and perhaps globally unparalleled, mix of musical personalities. All-stars from the European big band establishment play side by side with newcomers from the young and hip jazz scenes of Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna and Prague. Musicians from the USA, Germany, Austria, Holland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic come together.

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