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George Gruntz & Peter O. Chotjewitz - The Magic Of A Flute (2004)

George Gruntz & Peter O. Chotjewitz - The Magic Of A Flute (2004)
  • Title: Gruntz: The Magic of a Flute
  • Year Of Release: 2004
  • Label: Musiques Suisses
  • Genre: Jazz, Contemporary Jazz
  • Quality: FLAC (tracks)
  • Total Time: 1:53:45
  • Total Size: 766 MB
  • WebSite:
Tracklist:

Disc 1

1. Prelude (01:55)
2. Oh Gee! Oh, My! Look! (04:59)
3. Rags! Song Of The Junkman (06:01)
4. Aria Of The Photo Book (08:29)
5. Sweet Jeannine (07:49)
6. Thou Shalt Love (03:46)
7. Oh, Please / Rape Aria (02:46)
8. You Are What You Are (05:34)
9. Rumores At Captain's & Velvet Tango (05:23)

Disc 2

1. All Hail To Pep (04:05)
2. Aria For George Gruntz (02:50)
3. Somewhere Down The Line (02:52)
4. Seduction Aria (05:58)
5. All Hail To Pep (01:32)
6. So If Love... (Short Version) (02:21)
7. The Woman He Choose (01:56)
8. Himmer... Himalaya (05:51)
9. Humanity And Love (04:18)
10. Postludium (03:14)
11. I Have Walked Alone (03:45)
12. Appreciation (04:57)
13. I Have Walked By Memories (03:30)
14. My Father Tried To Buy... (03:28)
15. So If Love... (Complete Version) (08:02)
16. I Could Give Up... (04:04)
17. Finale: Children Of The Earth (04:33)

In 1972, pianist/composer/bandleader George Gruntz arranged for a variety of poets in the United States to write sections for an updated version of The Magic Flute, transformed to modern times. The poets were not told that their segments were based on The Magic Flute and Gruntz in turn wrote music for the "jazz opera" that does not refer at all to Mozart's work. For a variety of reasons, it took 30 years before the production was finally staged, and that debut was recorded and released as this double CD. Eight singers were employed to play the roles, while the NDR Big Band provided the music. There is plenty of improvising by the singers and musicians within the context of the script. Without reading the synopsis, it would be very difficult to know what the plot of the show is, and the results are a bit esoteric and sometimes confusing, although much of the music is simpler (including a blues and a calypso). There are some excellent moments, particularly from Lauren Newton, Mark Murphy, and Ian Shaw, and the unidentified soloists are talented, but this jazz opera is for selective tastes.

Review by Scott Yanow


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