Wolfgang Muthspiel Trio live at Schloss Elmau 2009

Photo © Erich Reismann

Wolfgang Muthspiel, Guitar
Matthias Pichler, Bass
Andreas Pichler, Drums

recorded live at 10th European Jazztival Schloss Elmau, Germany, November 25, 2009

1. "Radiohead" (Wolfgang Muthspiel)
2. "Sleep" (Wolfgang Muthspiel)
3. "Air, love and vitamins" (Harry Pepl)
4. "Shanghai" (Wolfgang Muthspiel)
5. "Etude 1 u. 2" (Wolfgang Muthspiel)
6. "Mehldau" - Excerpt (Wolfgang Muthspiel)

   
For his new trio Wolfgang Muthspiel has engaged two young musicians from Tyrol, the twin brothers Matthias and Andreas Pichler. On bass and drums they form a counterpoint to his guitar improvisations. The objective of the new trio is the development of a band sound with material written specifically for this lineup. Not a band put together for only one tour but a "working band", whose members are committed (and available) to a long term view. An ensemble, whose individual components are not exchangeable, independent of their name value.
The highly talented twins are yet a well kept secret in the jazz world. Their stylistic openness, their dedication to the moment, (the main element of improvisation), and their understanding of rhythm have convinced Muthspiel to start a new band with them. Their recording "Bright Side" was released on Material Records.

Wolfgang Muthspiel 4tet live at Jazzherbst Salzburg 2008

Photo © Bernhard Ley

Wolfgang Muthspiel – g
Jean-Paul Brodbeck – p, key
Matthias Pichler – b
Andreas Pichler – dr

recorded live at Salzburger Jazzherbst 2008, November 3, 2008

1. Radiohead (Wolfgang Muthspiel)
2. Elegy (Jean-Paul Brodbeck)
3. Jackson´s Pocket (Wolfgang Muthspiel)
4. Lichtzelle (Wolfgang Muthspiel)/ Granada (Chris Cheek)

In October 2007, Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel invited Swiss pianist Jean-Paul Brodbeck to join his band and perform a new repertoire of songs Muthspiel had written for the quartet.
After a European trio tour they recorded the new music, which was released in April 2008 on Material Records. The new recording - entitled 'Earth Mountain' - is an extension of Muthspiel's work in the trio with Austrian twin brothers Matthias and Andreas Pichler. On 'Earth Mountain', Muthspiel and Brodbeck engage in a constant harmonic dialogue. The new pieces - at times leaning towards hip-hop and rock grooves - create a dense and earthy band sound, both inviting and daring. Add the fine rhythm section of the Pichler brothers on drums and bass, and compositions like 'Jackson's Pocket', 'Earth Mountain' or 'Radiohead' naturally unfold with an ecstatic energy.