Christine Schaller “Real Life”

This is the 1980 debut album by Swiss singer/pianist Christine Schaller, who is also a member of the Mega Wave Orchestra and has contributed to the label's body of work. The A-side features performances by a big band centered around Belgian musicians, including Steve Houben, while the B-side showcases a quintet led by Italian guitarist Paolo Radoni, who has also collaborated with Mark Hollander's Aksak Maboul.

Schaller's enchanting vocal style and unique scatting create a memorable and almost magical vocalization. The album draws you in with its rich and compelling performances, reminiscent of US spiritual jazz. Track A2, in particular, captivates with its depth, and Radoni's guitar work on track B4, with its psychedelic undertones, is truly remarkable. Interestingly, the label for the B-side is affixed on the A-side.