German label Jazz Haus has been uncovering some remarkably rare treasures from well known artists as well as impressive things from under-heard musicians that deserve a second listen. Here are two of the latest gifts from above.
The Modern Jazz Quartet is captured here in an intriguing variety of settings in this collection of recordings from Europe. The team of Lewis, Jackson, Heath and Kay handle standard fare with the help of the Kurt Edelhagen Orchestra on “Django” and “Bluesology” while Harald Banter’s Ensemble augment the quartet on “Midsommer.” A solo rendition of “Tenderly” by Milt Jackson is a wonderful sonata, while the band gels with precision on “Willow Weep For Me” and swings with classicism on “JB Blues.”
Ever hear of guitarist Volker Kriegel before? Neither had I, but this 2 cd set of his material from 1963-69 will make you look for more. Sort of in the Herb Ellis-Barney Kessel mold, he hleads a hip little combo on the first cd with clever takes of “Django” and “Autumn Leaves” that displays a linear sense of swing. Some vibes pop in on “Connie’s Blues” and “Na Na Imboro” giving the band a bit of an edgier swing, while they give fresh air to “Rhythm-A-Ning.” The second disc gets a bit more adventurous, as the influence of rock and roll gently creep in. THe Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” swings spritely here, and a few eyebrows might get raised on a reading of Frank Zappa’s (!) “Mother People” jumping into the fire. Other adventurous pieces such as “ Soul Eggs” show the influence of rock, but also add an extra zest which has aged well over the years. Check this guy out!
www.jazzhaus-label.com