Gulf Of Berlin

• Gulf
• Music
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German free jazz has a long and distinguished history, witness the likes of Peter Brötzmann, Alex Von Schlippenbach, Albert Mangelsdorff and the FMP label. Evidence that the music is still very much alive and kicking is provided by this tour de force album - a Suite of 11 Movements - by a new group of seasoned stalwarts, calling themselves Gulf of Berlin. 'None of us grew up in New Orleans, New York City or Chicago, the places where jazz and free jazz originated. No, we all come from different parts of Germany, bringing our various backgrounds and influences into this band. We play our concerts without any set parameters or agreements, in other words totally free and without a net. Of course that isn't anything new; that has been done for thousands of years. But it also happens to be the music of the 2010s: Free improvisation as a counterpoint to the controlled digital world. Fortunately, there is Berlin (where we live), a city where for some time now this art form is not only being kept alive, but also pursued with an unbelievably new and independent 'German-European' style. Many of our colleagues were pioneers in this area. This record marks the definitive beginning of the renaissance of German free jazz. We hope you enjoy it.' Gerhard Gschlößl