Zentralquartett live at XXX. Eldenaer Jazz Evenings 2010

Conrad Bauer (tb)
Ulrich Gumpert (p)
Ernst- Ludwig Petrowsky (sax, fl, cl)
Günter Sommer (dr)
recorded live at Klosterruine Eldena, July 2, 2010

1. Der Alte Thüringer (Ulrich Gumpert)
2. Es fiel ein Reif (in der Frühlingsnacht) (trad.)
3. Synopsis (Ulrich Gumpert)
4. Kiekbusch (trad.)
5. Careless Love (W.C. Handy)
6. Kommt Ihr G'spielen (Melchior Frank)
7. Es war ein König in Thule (Carl Friedrich Zelter)

Both the present and past live within Zentralquartett’s music. With their instruments, four musical personalities speak for themselves, having helped both fashion developments and put them into motion. Formed in 1973, they were originally called Synopsis. By the end of the seventies they had already made their mark on the international improvisation scene and earned a solid, recognized position in the GDR jazz scene. Then all four went their separate ways, none of them losing sight of one another however. A GDR Jazz Weekend in Paris in May 1984, organized by Conny Bauer, lead to the production of the LP Günter Sommer et Trois Vieux Amis: Ascenseur Pour Le 28 and the formation of a new quartet, the Zentralquartett.

The music is distinguished by a longstanding experience, both together and as soloists, of perfect assurance in improvised interaction, and is still ripe for musical surprises. It’s impressive how they create fantastic soundscapes time and again, steeped in wit and irony and performed with refreshing joy.
Their latest record 11 SONGS – AUS TEUTSCHEN LANDEN was released on intact in 2005.