Arabesque Background

The trio Arabesque was created by two Frankfurt-based German producers at the height of the disco era in 1977. After one album and a few singles that found surprising success in Japan, the producers changed the lineup, keeping Michaela Rose and replacing the two other members with Jasmin Vetter and Sandra Lauer. Vetter, a former gymnast, also became the trio's choreographer and Lauer, soon to be billed simply as Sandra, assumed the position of a lead vocalist. The first single of the updated Arabesque, "Hello, Mr. Monkey," went to number one in Japan. The Far East remained the band's biggest market, with numerous albums and compilations released over the years. However, Arabesque's success in their homeland was very modest, with only one single, "Marigot Bay," entering the German charts at number eight in 1981. In 1984, they disbanded and Sandra embarked on a successful solo career with the songs written by future husband Michael Cretu (of Enigma fame). Jasmin Vetter and Michaela Rose formed a duo, Rouge, but after a few obscure singles it ceased to exist.

Formed in 1998 by Yoshida Tatsuya, Japan’s KOREKYOJINN (alternately spelled Korekyojin) is a progressive-jazz-rock band determined to redefine the polyrhythmic ensemble. The band’s name translates to “This Giant”, a sly pun inspired by THIS HEAT and GENTLE GIANT, two band’s the group draws inspiration from. In Japanese the word “kore” translates as “this”, while “kyojinn” is “giant”. While the style of KOREKYOJINN will be recognizable to fans of Yoshida Tatsuya’s other acts, the band has carved out a sound all its own. The trio dance on razors, are sharp as a tack – and their overwhelming ability jettisons them into the outer limits – where progressive rock and contemporary jazz collide into a breathtaking, futuristic, hard rock funk.

Shostakovich - Complete Trios & Sonatas - Kalichstein Laredo Robinson Trio (1997) {2CD Set, Arabesque Z6698}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 583 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 331 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 56 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1997 Arabesque Recordings | Z6698
Classical / 20th Century / Chamber Music

This is an amazing set of grim, often bizarre music. The Trio No. 2 is a lament for the Russian Jews killed during World War II. The late Violin and Viola Sonatas sound like laments for the composer himself, in ill health and nearing the end of his life. Even the Cello Sonata, composed in slightly happier times, is far from humorous. Only the one-movement First Trio, a strange piece, has much happiness in it. If you're ready to face this difficult music, though, these performances by splendid musicians bring everything to life, and the "twofer" set is a great deal.

Saxophonist and composer John Klemmer was restlessly following some inner call in the late 1960s through the late '70s. Aside from his big-boned tenor sound and his trademark unique Echoplex on certain tunes, he was making music that crossed numerous jazz, pop, rock, soul, and Latin genres. 1978's Arabesque is a case in point. Co-produced by the saxophonist and Stephan Goldman, Klemmer used a pool of studio players on this date in addition to a small band. Drummer Lenny White and bassist Abe Laboriel made up his trio, while pianists Roger Kellaway, Pat Rebillot, and Victor Feldman alternately held down the piano chair. The most telling thing about this date is Klemmer's employment of some of the best Brazilian percussionists in the game in Airto Moreira and Alex Acuña…