Old wine new bottle
John Smith | boston MA. | 08/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the years I've been collecting the music of J.J. Johnson, few recordings he's made have escaped my notice. This happily was one I hadn't before heard. He had recorded excerpts of his "Euro Suite" on another album, but I must say it was a rare thrill to hear the piece in it's entirety with J.J. at his best and leading a group of crack European and American ex-patriot muscians. I always enjoy listening to Johnson in a live and impromtu setting He simply takes more risks and plays with more fire and abandon in this kind of setting. Friederich Gulda was a true treasure of the European Classical AND jazz scene at the time of this recording. His piece for two pianos left me breathless. His skill at composing for the jazz orchestra is truly awesome. He and fellow soloist Joe Zawinul take this piece to soaring, dizzying heights as they explore the beautiful melodic themes penned by Gulda. There's nothing quite like enjoying a find like this, especially when you'd thought you'd heard it all."