Search - Friedemann Aquamarine Orchestra :: In Concert

Stars, stars, stars and more stars!

03/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How did it happen? You've stumbled onto a remarkable recording! This CD (and even more so, its predecessor AQUAMARINE) hovers in the upper realm of the five star rating layer. Sharing from the CD sleeve insert: "After recording and releasing two successful and critically-acclaimed CD projects, Friedemann Witecka knew exactly what was to be done next. The prolific composer/guitarist/producer's INDIAN SUMMER and AQUAMARINE albums had been among the most highly recorded New Instrumental releases in the 1980's. AQUAMARINE had, in fact, been voted as 'Best Audiophile Recording Of All Times' by the respected German magazine AUDIO, edging out not only Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' but Dire Straight's 'Brothers in Arms' as well. So, a tour came to life. Along with a band of all-star European players, Friedemann's Aquamarine Orchestra traveled more than 4,000 miles, performing in 15 European cities, including Berlin, Brussels, Zurich and Luxemburg. 'The first night, after the opening song of the program, the audience just went mad. The response was like this in practically every city we played. It was thrilling and very, very gratifying', Friedemann adds.The concerts were a smashing success! In documenting these unique concert events, this CD captures a very special 'frozen moment in time'. Based on incredible musicianship and the superlative sound that Friedemann's BIBER label is noted for. [sic] Audiences from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria met the players and the playing with rousing response. This CD, which was awarded STEREOPLAY magazine's Album Of The Year provides a 10th-row center seat on this tour. We trust you will enjoy the show! 'Our thanks to all who made this possible especially to those music-lovers who shared the experience of these shows with us. And I hope you - the living room listener - will 'catch' this excitement and enjoy it with us.' - Friedemann" -- Biber Records of VOLLTON MUSIKVERLAG GmbH & Co. KGFriedemann's Aquamarine Orchestra Members:
Friedemann: acoustic and electric guitars
Roswitha Maier: oboe
Gebhard Ullmann: sprano sax, bass flute, bass clarinet
Johannes Wohlleben: Keyboards
Thomas Heidepriem: electric bass, double bassChristian Dähn: marimba, vibraphone, kettle-drums
Ulrich Mortiz: drums and percussionMy first introduction to the awesome talent of Friedemann was (innocently enough) through Narada's DECADE compilation released in 1993 featuring "In the Court of the Mermaid" and "Man from Caesaria". It was the former that really sold me - a mythical waltz sung by english horn and clarinet amid a perfect arrangement of electric guitar, percussion, piano, vibraphone, bassoon, trumpet and acoustic bass. Spending some time with the Narada label, releasing INDIAN SUMMER (1987), the awe-striking AQUAMARINE (1990), and more subdued LEGENDS OF LIGHT (1995), Friedemann gained exposure in the United States aside from the Biber Records label for a little while. However, I feel that the splendid attention to detail and execution in composition and performance were lost on most "quick-fix" American ears. Biber records still offers the aforementioned recordings [now seemingly (unbelievably!) out of print in the States] as well as PASSION & PRIDE (1999), and a best-of compilation entitled BEAUTY & MYSTERY OF TOUCH.Friedemann was part of Narada's Equinox series of acoustic/world/jazz/fusion. However, this music lives among those few recordings in which your favorite genres are swiftly superceded due to the sheer excellence of this work. ***** I am not exaggerating when I say the AQUAMARINE and IN CONCERT discs are filled with brilliance. This is not "fluff". These are acoustic, jazz-influenced musicians exemplifying the best in musical composition, arrangement and performance on the planet! ***** The music is completely engaging and uplifting... AQUAMARINE... it remains one of the best CDs I've ever heard.Owning the first three CDs as well as IN CONCERT, I most heartily recommend finding the soaring AQUAMARINE first and foremost, with a good recommendation for IN CONCERT as well. IN CONCERT might be slightly less "accessible" to the average listener than AQUAMARINE, but all critical listening, serious lovers of music should hear these, if not own them.I can't begin to imagine how wonderful it would have been to attend one of his concerts. What an awesome, stunning and memorable experience! Fortunately, part of that performance has been handed down to us with FRIEDEMANN'S AQUAMARINE ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT. And one last thing: Dear Music Lover, once you purchase these discs it is important that you empty yourself of all expectations before you listen. Then the music will stir in you an overflowing joy of life!"