Friedrich Gulda and his EuroJazz-Orchestra (featuring J. J. Johnson & Joe Zawinul) – Preiser Records

by | Jul 22, 2005 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

 Friedrich Gulda and his EuroJazz-Orchestra (featuring J.
J. Johnson & Joe Zawinul) – Preiser Records (distr. by
Albany)  90667 ****:

Gulda, who passed away this year, was one of these completely versatile
musicians who didn’t just dabble in one genre while making his living
in the other – he actively participated in both classical and jazz
worlds to the hilt.  He gave solo recitals of Mozart and Beethoven
that captivated the critics, made dozens of recordings, and also had a
jazz trio and big band that scored just as superbly with the European
jazz critics. This two-track  CD comes from live concerts recorded
in Germany in l966 and 67. The first is a 20-minute suite composed by
trombonist-composer J. J. Johnson, titled Eurosuite. Then Gulda’s own
composition “Variations for Two Pianos and Band” is heard, with a big
band feature such stellar jazzmen as Ernie Royal and Kenny Wheeler on
trumpet,  Herb Geller on alto sax and Ron Carter on bass.
Pianist-composer Joe Zawinul of Cannonball Adderley and Weather Report
fame is evidently the second pianist along with Gulda, though the notes
fail to make that clear. There’s not much in the way of notes in
English, but the music is in the vein of the Third Stream works of the
70s in which Gunther Schuller and others were involved. Sonics are
serviceable.  This one will appeal strongly to those collectors
into the jazz/classical mix.

– John Henry

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