Torsten Fliessbach

Composed over wide time intervals, Hans Werner Henze's three Violin Concertos represent key stages of his development, and mark his early efforts in twelve-tone composition, his mature phase of experimental political theater, and his late, emotionally charged programmatic style. The Concerto No. 1 (1948) is similar in some respects to Alban Berg's Violin Concerto, particularly in Henze's blending of the row with tonal features; yet in its comparative leanness and transparency, this piece is less like Berg than the complex Concerto No. 3 (1997), which, in its intense evocation of Thomas Mann's Doktor Faustus, shares much more of the passionate and disturbing colors and textures of Wozzeck or Lulu.

His debut album for ACT, Irish Heart, saw his breakthrough as a guitarist and singer. Torsten Goods' multi-faceted, expressive voice is as much at home in blues as in swing and pop and in 1980 this is evident. "99" is a beautiful cover version close to Toto singer Steve Lukather's original recording, whereas "Don't Let It Get To You" reminds us of Al Jarreau and "So Are You" brings out the crooner in him. "I Need You So Bad" is an impressive duet with ACT colleague Rigmor Gustafsson. As they got on so well together during Goods’ appearances at her concerts in Sweden, Rigmor's guest performance was a "must"…

Does George Benson have Irish ancestors? Is there a connection between Belfast’s melancholy ballads and the exciting vocal jazz of today? 25 year-old guitar-wunderkind Torsten Goods and his release Irish Heart call out an enthusiastic yes to these questions. Friends of Irish folk music and infectious reels are in for a surprise, and so are fans of Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt or Harry Connick Jr. There is more repertoire out there than the Great American Songbook and Goods’ choices give his twenty-something-quartet a chance to shine.
Whether it’s Van Morrison’s soul-blues (Morrison, like Goods’ mother originally came from Belfast), whether it’s Irish folk or the rhythmic fervour of the “Riverdance” show theme, all the material becomes a wonderful vehicle for Goods talent on his strings and vocal chords alike to shine…