Stereo

Description

A world-class jazz musician who happens to be German is a rare phenomenon. Clarinetist Rolf Kühn has always played in the champions league and is a remarkable artist in several other respects, alongside his achievements as a performer. The sound he draws from his instrument is inimitable. Stylistically diverse, warm, full-bodied, immaculate. His playing could be described as vintage, as it encompasses the entire history of jazz. As early as the 1950s, he received the recognition befitting his status as a leading German jazz musician in the United States, the birthplace of jazz. Appearing with Benny Goodman and occasionally leading his orchestra. Inspired by Buddy DeFranco, he developed his unique modern and expressive voice. Rolf Kühn has played with the cream of jazz rock, not only personalities like Chick Corea, Dave Liebman, Michael and Randy Brecker, but also free spirits like Lee Konitz, Albert Mangelsdorff and Ornette Coleman. Despite this vast experience, he remains open to musical adventures. For "Rolf Kühn & Tri-O", the clarinetist teamed up with guitarist Ronny Graupe, bassist Johannes Fink and drummer Christian Lillinger. Excellent musicians from the Berlin local scene, young enough to be his sons, even his grandsons. Their improvisation is marked by a constant flow of mutual concessions. The young players benefit from the experience of their wise master, who in turn draws inspiration from the new ideas of his teammates, as they seek each other out across the generational divide. "Stereo" was recorded in 3 days. With his musicians, Rolf Kühn experimented with new sounds, rhythms and harmonies. Two generations with different musical influences interacted as one unit. The result is complex, highly energetic and fits into a modern, transparent sound aesthetic. Not only did Kühn receive the highest praise from the German music press for his life's work, but he and his brother Joachim received an ECHO award for jazz.