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| New release on MPS Records: Francy Boland, Novi Singers, Tete Montoliu, Dewan Motihar Novi Singers – Novi In Wonderland The Novi Singers were one of the most successful groups in Polish Jazz. Spanning a career of some 20 years, the group achieved international fame, playing clubs and festivals throughout Europe. In 1978 they were listed in Downbeat as "best international vocal group". In the last few years the group has gained a cult following of new listeners. The group shies away from the lyrics, as these "vocal instruments", concentrate on sophisticated harmonies, and scat solos. A topflight international rhythm section along with trumpet and sax accompany the singers. Tete Montoliu – Piano For Nuria The blind Spanish pianist Tete Montoliu was an international star; an original stylist with prodigious technique, he was one of the foremost hard bop pianists. Montoliu worked Lionel Hampton, Roland Kirk, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin and Elvin Jones. Here Tete teams up with Peter Trunk, "The best German bassist" (J.E. Berendt) who "belongs among the greats of the instrument" (jazz-toccata), and Afro-American drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath who has played and recorded with virtually every major player of the last 50 years. The album is something of a lucky accident – the trio was the rhythm section for an album featuring tenor sax giants Ben Webster and Don Byas. MPS owner was so taken by the trio that he insisted they stay and record – our good luck! Dewan Motihar Trio, Irene Schweizer Trio, Manfred Schoof, Barney Wilen – Jazz Meets India This 1967 release, another exploratory J.E. Berendt production, combines a classical Indian trio of sitar, tambura, and tabla with jazz piano trio and two horns striding in between. Sitar player Dewan Motihar leads the Indian trio. A star on All-India Radio, Motihar journeyed to London where he worked on the sound tracks to the Beatle's "Help", and with Herbie Hancock on Antonioni's iconic film "Blow Up". The Swiss pianist Irene Schweizer has been one of the top European players for years. The two groups remain true to their respective ethos playing off what they have in common rather than attempting some sort of ethno mish-mash. Francy Boland – Flirt And Dream Known best for co-leading the legendary Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland big band, Belgian pianist Boland also gained recognition as a major composer-arranger. His work with MPS represented an important slice of his recording career – the KC-FB big band recorded a half dozen times with the label, and Boland later recorded three more times for MPS with his own big band. This 1967 album is a departure; sure, the Clarke-Boland rhythm section, bebop innovator drummer Kenny Clarke, and bassist Jimmy Woode of Ellington Orchestra fame, remain. MPS Records New Digital Releases Digital Mastered for iTunes Distribution: Edel:Kultur/ Kontor New Media Releases: December 18th, 2015 write your comments about the article :: © 2015 Jazz News :: home page |