“Helmut is the ‘dean’ of German
jazz guitar,” said Larry Coryell. And convincing proof of the pudding is Kagerer’s
current solo recording.
The
album presents 90 years of jazz history, from Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehaving”
in a George van Eps plectrum style, to John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” in an
up-tempo with racing lines of single notes. Pat Martino’s “Country Road” appears, through-composed
and played only with down strokes, as do lyrical pieces like “Smile” by Charlie
Chaplin, decorated with artificial flageolets. Attila Zoller’s hit tune “About Birds And Bees” rounds
off the album in a grooving Latin style.
Altogether, it’s an exciting panoply of musical moods
that swings as if an entire rhythm section were playing along.
Additional product information
recorded:
2012
time:
43:42
Musicians:
Helmut Kagerer: guitar
About
Birds and Bees (Zoller) 3:04
Giant
Steps (Coltrane) 3:24
Lotus
Blossom/Warm Valley (Strayhorn/Ellington) 8:05