Joachim Kühn, Daniel Humair, J. F. Jenny Clark* & Wdr Big Band* – Carambolage Joachim Kühn Daniel Humair J. F. Jenny Clark Carambolage Album Cover

A tasty trio date from this under-recognized pianist, accompanied by the fine rhythm tandem of J.F. Jenny-Clark and Daniel Humair. The album leaps into gear with the fiery "Guylene," a piece that finds Kuhn sounding like Hancock or Jarrett at their most aggressive, his bright tone cascading throughout. He has an innate lyricism that, in his softer moments, recalls Paul Bley.

A must for fans of german pianist Joachim Kuhn and the fantastic acoustic bassist J.F. Jenny Clark. Recorded in '87 in Germany with fantastic sound quality and musicianship. Very improvisational and highly energetic yet lyrical. A little known gem - at least on this side of the pond.

Marshall Gilkes & WDR Big Band - Always Forward (2018) {Alternate Side Records ‎ASR 010}
FLAC (tracks) - 16bit/44.1kHz - Official Digital Download (bandcamp.com) -> 472 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 190 Mb | Cover | 5% repair rar
© 2018 Westdeutscher Rundfunk / Alternate Side Records | ‎ASR 010
Jazz / Modern Big Band / Progressive Jazz / Modern Arrangement / Trombone

Trombonist, composer and arranger Marshall Gilkes released his first album with the Cologne-based WDR Big Band in 2015. Three years later, he delivers Always Forward, a follow-up recording that celebrates the big band sound, pays respect to the arrangers that have shaped and influenced him, and shines a much-needed light on where big band music is headed.

The greatest diva of the Netherlands, Fay Claassen, joins forces with gifted Belgian singer-composer-lyricist and longtime Parisian David Linx on 'And Still We Sing', a magnificent collaboration with the WDR Big Band, conducted by Magnus Lindgren. The title of this reunion of Claassen and Linx (they sang together on 2005's 'One Heart, Three Voices') is a paraphrase of one of Maya Angelou's most famous poems: "…And Still I Rise." Claassen brings her crystal clear delivery and adventurous scatting chops to the program, blending beautifully and organically with Linx, a singular talent who has gained notoriety throughout Europe while still flying under the radar on the United States jazz scene. Produced by WDR tenor saxophonist (and Claassen's husband) Paul Heller, 'And Still We Sing' features stellar big band arrangements by Heller, Lindgren, Bob Mintzer and Michael Abene.

As a tight, longstanding jazz ensemble, Yellowjackets has explored a universe all its own of electro-acoustic soundscapes in its nearly four-decade history. Since the band’s eponymous 1981 debut album, Yellowjackets has consistently forged ahead with innovative and challenging artistic statements. For Jackets XL, its 25th album and fourth for Mack Avenue Music Group, the band continues to stretch and reinvent itself with an exciting, full-bodied collaboration with the superb WDR Big Band of Cologne, Germany. The project combines the shapeshifting, multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning quartet with the renowned big band, re-imagining well-known band originals with dynamic new arrangements that feature twists and turns, textures and colors, moving harmonies and bold solos.

Recorded in 1995 with Germany's WDR Big Band, the album features 16 tracks with over 60 minutes of music including an a bonus track on the CD only. Dr. John arguably has never sounded better. Hisvocals are crisp and clear and joyful, as if he turned back the clock toanother time and to a jubilant state of mind.

Begin Again, Hersch's new Palmetto release featuring the Cologne-based WDR Big Band, arranged and conducted by six-time Grammy winner Vince Mendoza, serves as both an expertly curated overview of the pianist's oeuvre and a singular new entry in his expansive discography. The album features nine of Hersch's original compositions, plucked from throughout his various projects and preferred formats, including one previously unrecorded piece.