Roberto Fonseca live at Leverkusener Jazztage 2009

Roberto Fonseca: Piano
Javier Zalba: Clarinet, Flute, Saxophones
Joel Hierrezuelo: Percussion
Ramsés Rodríguez: Drums
Omar González: Bass

recorded live at Leverkusener Jazztage, November 2009

1. Consumatum Est
2. Siete Potencias
3. La Flor Que No Cuidé
4. Lento y Despacio

Roberto Fonseca did an extended tour through Germany last year, so I´m gladly able to present you a third concert on this blog by a man I introduced here earlier on this blog. So enjoy the concert and be sure to buy his incredible official releases, the latest being "Akokan"

Firomanum live at JazzBaltica 2002

Niels Klein - Tenor Saxophone

Arne Jansen - Guitar
Eva Kruse - Bass
Nils Tegen - Drums

recorded live at Große Konzertscheune Salzau, July 2002

1. Brand 4 (Klein)
2. Cielo Argento (Jansen)
3. Ranterkant jagt (Tegen)
4. New/ Old Tendency (Tegen)
5. Firomanum (Kruse)

Last October I introduced this really great German quartet to you. This concert here was a kind of breakthough for the getting wider recognition in Germany, followed by their debut recording called "Firomanum" released in 2003 on Schoener Hoeren.

Julian & Roman Wasserfuhr live at Leverkusener Jazztage 2009

Julian Wasserfuhr – trumpet
Roman Wasserfuhr – piano
Lars Danielsson - bass, cello
Anders Kjellberg - drums
Nils Landgren - trombone, vocals

recorded live at Forum Leverkusen, November 2009

1. Traveller´s Defense (Danielsson)
2. Dusan (Wasserfuhr)
3. Blue Desert
4. Why Should I Care
5. Song For E. (Danielsson)
6. Geno The Shoeshine (Wasserfuhr)

When asked who the most talented young musicians in Germany are, the answer echoes back from the rural town of Hückeswagen near Cologne. Surrounded by hills and forest live two brothers who play “with a magical tone” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) that is “of the finest quality” (JazzPodium). Their 2006 homage to Chet Baker, Remember Chet, was celebrated as a “stunning debut” (Süddeutsche Zeitung). In faraway Sweden, Nils Landgren heard about these young musicians’ abilities through the jazz grapevine, and decided he wanted to produce the two shooting stars inviting the brothers to that famous sound kitchen in which Landgren has cooked up his own highly successful albums, the Nilento Studio in Gothenburg. Since the world famous trombonist doesn’t do things by half, he picked out Sweden’s most prominent musicians for the session: with one of the most important voices in European jazz, bassist and cellist Lars Danielsson was a fantastic addition to the brothers’ sound. Anders Kjellberg also works beautifully with the overall musical concept, fitting right in the groove with clockwork timing that is consistently focused and mindful. Understatement is given its real worth when the barely 21-year-old Julian launches into his breathy trumpet tone, astonishing in its substance and clarity. Roman is the other pole that makes the brothers’ playing so attractive - on piano, Julian’s two-year-older alter ego is the empathetic and resourceful initiator. With their innate talent for strong melodies, the art by which the Wasserfuhrs narrate their marvellous jazz tales is pure pleasure to the ears. Just as in a fairytale, Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr have been awakened by their Swedish fellow travellers with a musical kiss. With Upgraded in Gothenburg (released on ACT) the brothers have been enhanced and advanced; “We make authentic music that’s honest and sincere. It’s music that is close to our hearts, and we think that people appreciate that.”

 

Marc Schmolling Trio live at Bavarian Broadcast 2010

Photo © Johanna Diehl

Marc Schmolling (Piano)
Jonas Westergaard (Bass)
Christian Lillinger (Drums)

recorded live at Bavarian Broadcast, Munich, April 28, 2010

1. "April Serenade Teil 1" (Schmolling, Westergaard, Lillinger)
2. "April Serenade Teil 2" (Schmolling, Westergaard, Lillinger)

   

In this group Marc Schmolling’s musical ideas are put into practice in the traditional piano trio with bass and drums. Influenced by the acoustic aesthetics of Bill Evans or Thelonious Monk, as well as the tonal and harmonic language of Paul Bley or Cecil Taylor, the Marc Schmolling Trio unveils with playful ease and a delicate instinct for dramaturgy surprising images of bizarre acoustic worlds.
The latest edition of the trio featuring Danish bassist Jonas Westergaard and "Hyperactive Kid" Christian Lillinger from Berlin on drums released the live album "live in Berlin - vol.1" on Wizmar-Records in May 2010.

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.

Al Di Meola New World Sinfonia live at Leverkusener Jazztage 2009

Al Di Meola - Guitar
Fausto Beccalossi - Accordion
Kevin Seddiki - Guitar
Gumbi Ortiz - Percussion
Peter Kaszas - Drums
Victor Miranda - Bass

recorded live at Forum/ Leverkusen, November 11, 2009


1. Siberiana
2. Double Concerto
3. Gumbiero
4. Michelangelo´s 7th Child
5. Fireflies
6. Turquoise

Another great live recording of Al Di Meola´s New World Sinfonia, a band, I  had introduced here earlier this year.

George Duke & Band live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2009

 

George Duke - Piano, Keyboards, Vocals

Arlington Jones - Keyboards

Jeff Johnson - Guitar

Mike Manson - Bass

Ronald Bruner - Drums

plus Cubanismo Horn Section & Backing Vocalists

Montreux Jazz Festival, July 13, 2009

1. Medley: Everyday Hero/I Tried To Tell You/Somebody Laid It On Us/Sudan/Are You Ready (Duke)

2. Zappa Tribute Medley: Cosmic Debris/Inca Roads/Uncle Remus (Zappa)

3. T Jam (Duke)

Veteran keyboardist and producer George Duke remembers a time when funk was a powerful force – not just in popular music but in social discourse. Frequently with a measure of wit and irony, and often with a strong dose of positivity at the core, titans like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and other funk icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s boldly addressed societal concerns ranging from poverty to racial disharmony to the battle of the sexes.

Duke invokes that same combination of wit and wisdom in Dukey Treats, his debut on BPM/Heads Up International set for worldwide release on August 26, 2008. A careful balance of rhythmic energy and simmering balladry, Dukey Treats recalls the golden age of funk and soul, while at the same time maintaining a fresh sound and addressing issues that are relevant to the global culture of the 21st century.

Diana Krall live at Orpheum Theater Vancouver 2009

Diana Krall - vocals, piano

Anthony Wilson - guitar

Robert Hurst - bass

Jeff Hamilton - drums

Members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Alan Broadbent - conductor



Recorded live at Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, May 14, 2009

1. Love Being Here With You (Peggy Lee)
2. Do It Again (George Gershwin)
3. Let's Fall In Love (Harold Arlen)
4. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face (Alan Jay Lerner)
5. Frim Fram Sauce (Joe Ricardel, Redd Evans)
6. Exactly Like You (Jimmy McHugh)
7. A Case Of You (Joni Mitchell)
8. Devil May Care (Harry Warren)
9. P.S. I Love You (Gordon Jenkins)
10. Quiet Nights (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
11. Love Letters (Victor Young)
12. Pick Yoursef Up (Jerome Kern)
13. The Look I Love (Burt Bacharach)

This concert in Diana´s almost hometown was the last concert of a very long tour supporting the release of her album "Quiet Nights"

Herbie Hancock, Eubie Blake, Pierre Favre, Gunter Hampel - The Art of Solo - live at Berliner Jazztage 1972 & 1977

 

Herbie Hancock live at Berliner Jazztage 1977

Herbie Hancock (p)

Recorded live at Philharmonie, Berliner Jazztage November 04, 1977

1. Blues flavour (Herbie Hancock)

2. Maiden voyage (Herbie Hancock)

3. Dolphin dance (Herbie Hancock)

Pierre Favre live at Berliner Jazztage 1972

Pierre Favre (perc)

Recorded live at Philharmonie, Berliner Jazztage November 04, 1972

1. Abanaba (Pierre Favre)

2. Roro (Pierre Favre)

Eubie Blake live at Berliner Jazztage 1972

James Hubert "Eubie" Blake (p)

Recorded live at Philharmonie, Berliner Jazztage November 04, 1972

1. Charleston Rag (James Hubert "Eubie" Blake)

2. Pilgrim's chorus (Chor der älteren Pilger aus dem 3. Akt) (Richard Wagner)

3. Charleston/ Old fashioned love/ If I could be with you (one hour tonight)

4. I'm just wild about Harry  (James Hubert "Eubie" Blake)

Gunter Hampel live at Berliner Jazztage 1972

Gunter Hampel (vib, bcl, cbcl, fl)

Recorded live at Philharmonie, Berliner Jazztage November 04, 1972

1. Number 84 (Gunter Hampel)

2. Dance of the bass clarinet (Gunter Hampel)

3. Dance of the contrabass clarinet (Gunter Hampel)

4. Miso (Gunter Hampel)

5. Dance of the flute nr. 3 (Gunter Hampel)

Chick Corea & Gary Burton - The Art of the Duo live at Berliner Jazztage 1972

 

Gary Burton (vib)

Chick Corea (p)

Recorded live at Philharmonie, Berliner Jazztage November 04, 1972

1. Desert air (Chick Corea) 06:41

2. Children's song (Chick Corea) 02:04

3. La fiesta (Chick Corea) 07:53

4. Señor Mouse (Chick Corea) 06:14

5. Day waves (Chick Corea) 04:37

For Crystal Silence, the first of several partnerships between Chick Corea and vibraphonist Gary Burton in the 1970s, the two musicians selected an interesting array of material. The compositions on this record are all modern ones, either by Steve Swallow, Mike Gibbs, or Corea himself. It is a mostly downtempo affair, which allows each player to stretch out and play highly melodic solos over the often difficult changes. In keeping with most ECM releases, there is a distinct presence of European elements to the improvisations. There are few overt blues or bebop phrases, Corea and Burton opting instead for modern melodies to fuel their improvisations. Burton has managed to internalize the Spanish and modal implications of Corea's tunes with little difficulty, and solos with joyful ease through such tracks as "Señor Mouse." Corea himself is absolutely burning. His solo contribution on the same track is both fiery and introspective, combining in one statement the poles for which he is best-known. The title track is also the centerpiece of the album, a nine-minute exploration of the Corea ballad that first appeared on his Return to Forever record in 1972. In keeping with the tradition of the great masters of the ballad form, time seems to disappear as Burton and Corea lovingly caress the song's simple melody and dance effortlessly around the chords, building intensity only to let it subside once more. Crystal Silence is a sublime indication of what two master improvisers can do given quality raw material, with the first side of this record being particularly flawless. Improvised music is rarely this coherent and melodic. Essential for fans of Corea, Burton, or jazz in general.

Max Frankl Quintett & Adrian Mears live at Jazzclub Unterfahrt 2010

Max Frankl, Guitar
Ulrich Wangenheim, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Christian Elsässer, Piano
Andreas Kurz, Bass
Bastian Jütte, Drums
Guest: Adrian Mears, Trombone

recorded live at Jazzclub Unterfahrt, Munich/ Germany, March 6, 2010

1. Der Ausbruch (Frankl)

2. Aaron's Park (Frankl)

3. Poor Man (Mears)
4. Sturmvogel (Frankl)

5. Warten können (Frankl)

6. Today's The Day (Mears)
7. Eiszeit (Frankl)
8. Children At Play (Mears)
9. Blau (Frankl)

Max Frankl is undoubtedly one of the true rising stars on the German jazz scene. Having studied with Wolfgang Muthspiel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Frank Möbus, Jesse van Ruller, Ingrid Jensen and Peter Herbolzheimer the native Bavarian from Weilheim played with (among others) the Bundesjazzorchester, the Harald Rüschenbaum Jazz Orchestra before forming his own Quintet. In 2008 he released his highly acclaimed CD "Sturmvogel" on Doublemoon Records (produced by Wolfgang Muthspiel).

Tomasz Stanko Quartet live at JazzBaltica-Festival, 2005

Tomasz Stanko, trumpet
Marcin Wasilewski, piano
Slawomir Kurkiewicz, bass
Michal Miskiewicz, drums

recorded live at Große Konzertscheune Salzau, July 2005

1. Little Thing
2. Rising Ballad
3. Euforila
4. Piece
5. Kattorna
6. Witkacy
7. Celina

Concurrently Tomasz Stanko maintained a Polish quartet, which now became a priority for him. Pianist Marcin Wasilewski, bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz and drummer Michal Miskiewicz were already working together as a (very) young trio when Stanko first heard them at the beginning of the 1990s, and in 1994 they began to work together, initially on theatre music, some of which was recorded for the Polish Govi label. They quickly developed into his band of choice for all Polish engagements, working with him on theatre and film music initially. Pianist, bassist and drummer have also built up a reputation as a unit in their own right, working under the name Simple Acoustic Trio.” "Soul of Things" is the quartet's first record release.
Many miles of touring, on both sides of the Atlantic, had honed their already exceptional group understanding. “Suspended Night” builds upon the conceptual framework established by its predecessor – the bulk of the album is devoted to a series of “Suspended Variations” - but the improvisational quotient is expanded, as all participants take more solo space, and more chances.

HR- Big Band feat. The Headhunters live in Frankfurt 2009

1. Loft Funk (Mike Clark)
Soloists: Tony Lakatos, ts, Mike Clark, dr
2. People Music (Hancock)
Soloists: Rainer Heute, bcl; Martin Scales, gt; Heinz-Dieter Sauerborn, ss
3. Spider (Hancock)
Soloists: Heinz-Dieter Sauerborn, as; Peter Feil & Christian Jaksjø, tb
4. Actual Proof (Hancock)
Soloists: Tony Lakatos, ts; Oliver Leicht, as; Axel Schlosser, tp; Mike Clark, dr
5. Thunder (Örjan Fahlström)
Soloists: Peter Feil, e-tb
6. Swamp Thing (Mike Clark)
7. Sly (Hancock)
Soloists: Rainer Heute, bs, Axel Schlosser, tp, Julian Argüelles, ss, Mike Clark, dr
7. Hang Up Your Hang Ups (Hancock)
Soloists: Tony Lakatos, ts; Peter Reiter, key; Mike Clark, dr

hr-Bigband feat. Mike Clark
Tobias Weidinger, Martin Auer, Thomas Vogel, Axel Schlosser: Trumpets

Günter Bollmann, Peter Feil, Christian Jaksjø: Trombones 

Manfred Honetschläger , Bass-Trombone 

Heinz-Dieter Sauerborn, Oliver Leicht, Tony Lakatos, Julian Argüelles, Rainer Heute: Saxophones
Peter Reiter, Piano; Martin Scales, Guitar

Thomas Heidepriem, Bass; Mike Clark, Drums
cond. & arr. by Örjan Fahlström

recorded live at Musiklokal Südbahnhof, Frankfurt a. Main/ Germany, March 26, 2009

Today, the Frankfurt Radio Bigband is a celebrated guest at numerous jazz festivals, and itself invites international jazz stars like Mike Stern, Michael Brecker, Billy Cobham, Django Bates oder John Scofield to perform, driving the development of Big Band music forward with commissions for compositions and arrangement. Thanks to their regular, intensive collaboration to create a tight, homogenous sound ensemble, the Frankfurt Radio Bigband's musicians are ready for any challenge.
Örjan Fahlström has also been associated with the Frankfurt Radio Bigband for a number of years as a guest conductor and composer. The latest example of this successful cooperation is the extremely successful joint tour through his native country of Sweden.

WDR Big Band feat. Bill Evans & Dave Weckl live at 30th Leverkusener Jazztage 2009

Bill Evans, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones
Dave Weckl, Drums
Mark Egan, E-Bass
WDR Big Band Köln
Michael Abene, conductor and arranger

recorded live at Forum/ Leverkusen during 30th Leverkusener Jazztage November 2009

1. Small Town Jack
Soloists: Paul Shigihara, gt, Bill Evans, ss
2. Soulbop
Soloists: Ludwig Nuss, tb, Bill Evans, ss
3. Let´s Pretend
Soloists: Frank Chastenier, p; Bill Evans, ss
4. Van´s Joint
Soloists: Heiner Wiberny, as; Frank Chastenier, hammond B3; Bill Evans, ts
5. Sweet Tea
Soloists: Paul Heller, ts; Dave Weckl, dr; Bill Evans, ss
6. Soulgrass
Soloists: Bill Evans, ts; Paul Shigihara, gt; Dave Weckl, dr
7. Introduction of the band by Michael Abene
8. Rattletrap
Soloists: Mark Egan, b; Bill Evans, ts; Paul Heller, ts; Olivier Peters, EWI; Paul Shigihara, gt; Dave Weckl, dr

Throughout his celebrated career, Bill Evans has explored a wide range of musical idioms, from straight ahead jazz to hip-hop, fusion, funk, soul, pop and bluegrass.
But on Vans Joint, he treads into some exciting new territory for the first time.
This triumphant collaboration between the veteran saxophonist-composer-bandleader and the 20-piece WDR Big Band Cologne is a match made in heaven. Recorded live in concert in Germany, this powerhouse offering features Evans with the dream rhythm tandem of electric bassist Mark Egan and drummer extraordinaire Dave Weckl fueling the well-oiled machine that is the WDR Big Band, under the direction of conductor-arranger Michael Abene. The results are exhilarating and even surprising to the saxophonist himself. “For me, to hear my charts with a big band just blew my mind,” says Evans. “Michael did such as great job. It was magical the way he enriched the songs, how he created colors and new harmonies in different sections and just took the music one step further. So it was a real trip to be involved in this project, and a lot of fun too.” Together they released the live album "Van´s Joint" on BHM Music in February 2009.

Brian Blade "Fellowship" live at JazzBaltica 2005

Brian Blade - Drums
Jon Cowherd - Piano
Melvin Butler - Tenor & Soprano Saxophone
Myron Walden - Altosaxophone, Bass Clarinet
Doug Weiss - Bass

recoded live at Große Konzertscheune, Salzau, July, 2005


1. Return of the prodigal son
2. Live by the sword
3. The sunday boys
4. Moon River/ Running into yourself
5. Migration
6. Amazing grace
7. That same grace

Brian Blade, one of the most important drummers of his generation, leads his Fellowship since their first recording in 1998. In 2000 they recorded the follow up "Perceptual", released on Verve.