MANFRED SCHOOF — Scales (review)

MANFRED SCHOOF — Scales album cover Album · 1976 · Avant-Garde Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
snobb
This one of early trumpeter Manfred Schoof album for a long was almost forgotten evidence of influential German avant-jazz musician, later turned more to contemporary classical music and composing. One of main reasons is this albums (as well as some more his works from early 70s) was never re-released on CD, so in fact till now it is obscure collectible release. Fortunately, few years ago ECM released compilation "Resonance",which includes full "Scales" LP (plus two more his early albums " Light Lines" and "Horizons",for a first time released on CD).

Schoof's music is quite usual for ECM label (of mid 70s) aerial down tempo avant-garde jazz with his trumpet (and sometimes flugelhorn) soloing in the fron of musical mix.Another solist is Michel Pilz (on bass clarinet).Albert Mangelsdorff band's rhythm section (bassist Günter Lenz and drummer Ralf Hübner) is more than competent,but are obvious back-up team. Another interesting collaborator is Jasper Van't Hof (Piano, Electric Piano, Organ)with some really great electric piano moments.

Schoof's trumpet sounds Davis' influenced in moments, but in all sounds very precise,cool and almost calculated. Comparing with Garbarek's works from mid 70's, all album sounds much better structured,organized,and at the same time doesn't include folk elements at all. Let say - ECM "German sound" as alternative to so well-known "Nordic".

Compositions are very multi-textured and complex, even all album doesn't sound as difficult listening. In any case, this music requires repeated spins for sure. Possibly, not everyone will like such emotionless and well-calculated work, but highest level of musicianship and very modern sound even in our days could attract much more listeners , than this album have. One of cornerstone works of German avant-garde jazz, it it deserves better attention for sure.
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snobb wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Even in Europe he is almost forgotten now. In 70s he sometimes was called "European Miles Davis".... Many of his albums were never re-released on CDs, I believe this didn't help for younger generation to know his legacy. Another reason - he left jazz long ago and became contemporary classic composer and musician.
Abraxas wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I got to know about Schoof from my father, he and his brother, were probably the only Argentinian fans back in the 70s, lol.
I have Horizons and Light Lines, both great, will review them soon I think.

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