97 Lang

Singer, keyboarder and producer Yogi Lang (RPWL) has summoned prominent supporters for his album: Manni Müller on drums (ex-RPWL, Claudia Koreck), Torsten Weber on guitar (Doors of Perception) and distinguished bass luminary Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd) underline and emphasize the singer’s expressive lyrics in their very own exceptional way. Special appearances by violinist Anne de Wolff (Rosenstolz among others) and Dominique Leonetti, singer for French progressive band Lazuli, add another artistic layer of color to the record. An album as complete and as personal as in any way possible: Yogi Lang defies of staffage and needless acoustic decoration – the songs float free within the emotions and leave certain topics to move drift spherically in time. With the stunning Artwork from Artist Judith Reichart the Digipack becomes a real collector’s piece.

Subtitled "An introduction to Jeff Lang," Prepare Me Well compiles tracks from five of the Australian roots guitarist's discs released over a ten year time span starting in 1994, many of which have not been available in the States. It is meant as a way of bringing Lang's name into visibility, and as such is a useful collection. But, since the press notes explain that Lang produced ten live and studio albums during this period, one wonders what happened to material from the other five. Additionally, selections from Native Creek Dog, which was named Best Australian Blues Album in 1996, are strangely M.I.A. Regardless, what is here is impressive…

Swiss pianist Thierry Lang has always admired Toots Thielemans with great affection and sincerity. Thus it was only a matter of time for the two to work together. This happened when, in 1989, Toots Thielemans and the Thierry Lang Trio got together for a great concert at Cully Jazz Festival. The result was so special that the promoter of Cully Jazz Festival decided to repeat the experience the following year, something quite rare in the programming of any festival. This never-released-before-material was recorded by Radio Suisse Romande (now the RTS, Radio Télévision Suisse) and contains tracks from both events.

Lang Lang presents a treasure trove of musical discoveries in this album: Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No. 2, recorded with the Gewandhausorchester and Andris Nelsons, is a true romantic masterpiece for Lang Lang that rivals the great concertos by Rachmaninoff or Tchaikovsky. Pairing it with Carnival of the Animals, a whimsical menagerie that has captivated young hearts for generations, Lang Lang continues his heartfelt wish to promote the love of classical music to young people and it also gives him a chance to collaborate with his wife, pianist Gina Alice. These two large scale orchestral works are complemented with solo compositions, including hidden gems by five female French composers as well as beloved French Classics.

The leader of this unique instrumental trio is the Swiss composer and pianist Thierry Lang, age 56. He has been playing piano since 5 and at 7 he decided to dedicate his life to music. When studying classic (up to 21) at 15 Thierry heard Bill Evans whose work became for Thierry a model of synthesis of jazz and classical music. He finally fell in love with jazz after he heard music of Erroll Garner and Oscar Peterson.

After the success of last year’s compilation Romance–Sony Classical has released a new album that is very attractive and includes famous works from Lang Lang’s back catalogue. These not only show the super-star pianist‘s interpretative magic, but also his renowned finger-fireworks! All the works are accessible and instantly recognisable. The album includes Mozart’s Rondo alla Turca, Liszt’s Rákóczy March, Chopin’s Minute Waltz and Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer. The album also includes some of Lang Lang’s most streamed tracks to date: Bach’s Air on the G-string and Liszt’s La Campanella.

This part live/part studio album sees the first CD team up of well-respected musician Wolfram Spyra, who has released CDs on the Fax label in the past and Chris Lang. "Neunundfunfzig 49" clocks in at a whopping 59 minutes and was recorded, using what is described as 'minimal equipment' live at Manikin Records' first 36 hour non-stop event at the Toska Therme in Bad Sulza, Germany during 2001 where the patrons could experience the music while taking a dip in the heated water if they so chose! The lack of gear does nothing to detract from the sound which is fleshed out expertly, constantly evolving and seemingly based around a central theme that is embellished upon throughout…