Even those who may be unfamiliar with his music will likely recognize Johann Goldberg's name in association with J.S. Bach's famous Goldberg Variations, the story behind which is so speculative as to not bear repeating here. Goldberg was in fact a student of the elder Bach's as well as W.F. Bach. So similar was Goldberg's early use of counterpoint, texture, and chromaticism to his teacher's that one of the trio sonatas heard on this album – the one in C major – was actually listed for many years in the BWV as being by Bach. Regrettably for listeners, Goldberg died before his 30th birthday; like Brahms, he was his own worst critic and destroyed copious amounts of his own compositions.
This ensemble draws on the transparency and expressiveness of early wind instruments to paint fresh pictures of unexplored repertoire. The musicians have a unique rapport with the music of Janitsch and their aim is to bring his neglected masterworks to light.
Janitsch was a superb contrapuntist, so it's fortunate his historically significant compositions are among the surviving manuscripts in the Archive of Berlin's Singakademie. In this recording on CPO, they offer the modern listener a vibrant impression of the cultured and imaginative spirit that animated Janitsch's Musical Academies in Berlin. The members of the chamber music ensemble Epoca Barocca share a passion for the performance of baroque music on original instruments, and their programmes regularly feature unjustly neglected works from the baroque era.
Danny Gottlieb (born April 18, 1953) is a freelance drummer who has performed as part of the Pat Metheny Group, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Elements. He is also a member of the University of North Florida jazz faculty, where he teaches as a full-time Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies. This great followup album has an incredible list of sidemen, featuring John Abercrombie, Trilok Gurtu, Nana Vasconcelos and many others.
Guitarist Jeff Richman, bassist Jimmy Haslip (taking a break from the Yellowjackets to play some fusion!) and drummer, Danny Gottlieb recorded live at the Baked Potato, in Hollywood CA, on Oct. 6 & 7 2000. Entirely instrumental, tasty, well played fusion from these three jazz/fusion veterans.