Jasper Van't Hof and George Gruntz
Fairytale
MPS Records (Germany) 1979
0068.236 (LP)
sleeve : EX-(wear on corner, one wrinkle.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noises.)
This is a 1979 album where the Dutch composer/pianist Jasper Van't Hof, known for producing numerous high-quality masterpieces embracing various styles from modern jazz to avant-garde jazz-rock and even electronic music, collaborates with the Swiss pianist George Gruntz, who has been active since the 1960s, collaborating with notable jazz musicians such as Don Cherry and Chet Baker, while also leaving behind a legacy of remarkable leader albums. The album features a floating sensation, highlighted by the soothing synthesizer solos amidst the long tones of the horns in track A1. Track A2 offers a gentle groove with resonant synthesizer bass and spacey synth solos, harmonizing gorgeously with the horn section. Throughout the album, there's an impressive ensemble with the renowned PPG Wave Synthesizer and the edgy yet soft sounds of the ARP 2600, accompanied by the participation of numerous musicians including Jan Akkerman (guitar) and Ken Wheeler (trumpet, flugelhorn) in an orchestrated setting. This creates a richly layered ensemble, showcasing a fantastic jazz orchestra piece.
A1: Fairytale
A2: Cinderella Friday Night