Didier Lockwood with Bernd Konrad and the Hans Koller Unit Phonolith

Bernd Konrad/Hans Koller Unit: Bernd Konrad (soprano & baritone saxophones); Hans Koller (sopranino & tenor saxophones); Didier Lockwood (violin); Christoph Spendel (violin); Thomas Stabenow (acoustic bass); Martin Bues (drums). Drawing on two studio sessions from 1980 and 1994, this fine recording was somehow not released until the year 2000. The liners refer to this as "German Jazz without the wince," although it might be better described as adventurous jazz performed by (mostly) German musicians. The several conglomerations perform pieces by Bernd Koller, with one track featuring Koller performing a satisfying solo rendition of Billy Strayhorn's "Lushlife." The highlights of the disc are the five sextet pieces (including a version of "Phonolith 1," in which violinist Didier Lockwood plays a prominent role, and the compelling nonet rendition of "Phonolith 2"). There are wonderful solos from Konrad (on both soprano and baritone saxophones), Koller (on tenor saxophone and sopranino), and Lockwood, and the compositions, at their best, rise to highly creative levels. Konrad's writing is especially impressive for the horns, as a sensitive melodiousness mixes with restrained saxophone solos that dig into the chordal implications of the tunes. The duo of trumpeters Kenny Wheeler and Herbert Joos helps charge the nonet. ~ Steven Loewy Recorded at Tonstudio Zuckerfabrik, Stuttgart, Germany on March 12, 1980 and Bauer Studios, Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1994. Includes liner notes by Stephan Richter. Personnel: Bernd Konrad (baritone saxophone); Didier Lockwood (violin); Herbert Joos, Kenny Wheeler (trumpet); Christoph Spendel, Paul Schwarz (piano); Thomas Heidepriem, Thomas Stabenow (double bass); Michael Kersting, Martin Bues, Pierre Favre (drums). 1. Phonolith 1 2. Traumtanzer 3. Nordlicht 4. Aufwartsregen 5. Jeannerette 6. Lush Life 7. Sleepwalk 8. Phonolith 2