If you’re a fan of big band jazz, this recording from 1962 of the Friedrich Gulda Orchestra is going to make your day. Previously unreleased, this concert featured a team of Teutonic hard swingers as well as trumpeter Benny Bailey from the States. The 13 piece band includes Erich Kleinschuster/b, Georg Riedel/b, Arne Domnerus/as, Ack van Rooyen/tp and Fatty George/cl, all allstars in their time and country but never appreciated on this side of the Atlantic. This album will hopefully change things.
The team is bright, brassy and macho as they swing like the soundtrack for a B movie on “Opener” featuring snappy drumming by Egil Johansen while the 19 minute “Music For Three Soloists and Band” as sleek brass and confident solos by pianist Fridrich Gulda, George and Kleinschuster.” The brass section bops with delight on ”Anthropology” as Bailey solos to Dizzying heights, and Domnerus’ alto sax solo on “Lover Man” is a cool toned dream. Gulda delivers a stark piano aria during “Round Midnight” to close out the fervent set. This one will stump your friends on a “Blindfold Test” as they veer from Herman to Basie to Kenton at each hairpin turn. WHEW!