LIFE RHYTHM

HIGHLIFE

Vinyl LP pressing. With it's warmth, power and clarity, the music has the distinctive hallmark which makes Haffner probably the most popular drummer/bandleader in Europe, known from his albums and from thousands of concerts in more than 100 countries. And at the same time it marks an evolution in his music. Indeed, perhaps one of the key factors behind Haffner's success is that his music will always contain elements of the familiar alongside the new, and that Haffner always brings the audience along with him to participate in the flow of his ideas - and also in the 'life rhythm' which he communicates so brilliantly, and instills in everyone around him. A versatile approach and the highest level of musicianship are also factors which Wolfgang Haffner has in common with his fellow musicians on 'Life Rhythm'. At the core is his regular, completely 'played-in' trio with keyboard player Simon Oslender, also a drummer and a band leader in his own right, and Thomas Stieger, one of the most sought-after bassists on the German pop and jazz scenes. They are joined by trumpeter Sebastian Studnitzky, Haffner's regular collaborator since his ACT debut 'Shapes', and Finnish guitarist Arto Mik�l�, a real discovery with remarkable variety in his sound. Haffner also welcomes some unique musical personalities to bring their own highly individual colours to the band: Nils Landgren has been a good friend and touring colleague for more than 20 years. Also appearing are saxophone icon Bill Evans, Sting's guitarist Dominic Miller, Balkan beat star Shantel, the refined bassist Nicolas Fiszman, oud virtuoso Thomas Konstantinou and Bruno M�ller, one of the finest of German jazz guitarists.

RAW

HIGHLIFE

WONDERLAND

KOMEDA: JAZZ AT BERLIN PHILHARMONIC XIV

The final album and a heartfelt tribute to the world-famous American singer Al Jarreau. With Duke Ellington's timeless compositions. - Experience the magic of American singer Al Jarreau one last time with "Ellington," his final album, recorded just months before his passing in February 2017. This live recording captures the essence of a true musical genius and brings Jarreau's illustrious musical journey full circle. A unique collaboration with the NDR Bigband, "Ellington" showcases Jarreau's legendary vocal artistry intertwined with Duke Ellington's timeless compositions. It's also a poignant reminder of his deep connection to Germany, where he first rose to fame, thanks to the unwavering support of Siggi Loch-then an executive at Warner Brothers and later the founder of ACT Music. Their partnership led to some of the most memorable performances of Jarreau's career. "Ellington" is a heartfelt tribute to Al Jarreau, whose groundbreaking approach transcended genres, earning him six Grammy Awards across jazz, pop, and R&B, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. - Recorded at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 26 November 2016 and at the Opera Garnier in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on 29 November 2016.

ANSWER

STEALING MOMENTS

SILK AND SAND

Passacaglia is a multi-colored musical dialogue between two unique characters who are leading figures in European jazz and contemporary music, Adam Baldych and Leszek Mozdzer. The repertoire ranges from free improvisations over works co-written by the musicians themselves to their very personal interpretations of themes by Erik Satie, Josquin des Prez and others. - The album features a highly unusual combination of instruments: a Renaissance violin, two grand pianos - one tuned to 442 Hz and the other 432 Hz - and a prepared upright piano. This setup allows an infinitely varied palette of musical expression, which defies styles, genres and even tonal and harmonic convention. - The world that Baldych and Mozdzer create is one of well-balanced beauty, expressed in the noble form of chamber music, but it is also one of turbulent and intensely emotional improvisation. Like all great art, it draws you in and leaves you intrigued at the same time - and also makes you want to come back and explore it all over again.

AUSTRIAN SYNDICATE

4 WHEEL DRIVE II

STEALING MOMENTS