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![Kind of Tango]( "Kind of Tango")
Wolfgang Haffner
Wolfgang Haffner
Kind of Tango
VÖ: 28.02.2020
Genre: Jazz, Drums & Percussion
„Wolfgang Haffner explores the drama and propulsion of the Argentinian tango from his personal jazz perspective.“-JAZZIZ (US)
Wolfgang Haffner / drums
Lars Danielsson / bass & cello
Christopher Dell / vibraphone
Simon Oslender / piano
Vincent Peirani / accordion
Ulf Wakenius / guitar
Alma Naidu / vocals
Sebastian Studnitzky / trumpet
Bill Evans / saxophone (07 & 09)
Lars Nilsson / flugelhorn (03)
the art in music: Cover art (detail) by Gert & Uwe Tobias, by kind permission of the artists
“This isn’t about reproducing an original, it’s much more like a translation. When I absorb and adapt influences and when I write, I follow my own path – and that allows me to be myself. It’s a process from which something new and contemporary can emerge.” This is how Wolfgang Haffner describes the artistic approach in his “Kind of...” album trilogy, all of which have the unmistakable Haffner sound running right through them. After a first adventure in cool jazz, and then a search for musical traditions in Spain, his new destination is Buenos Aires: “From the moment Siggi Loch suggested tango as my third point of departure, I didn’t need any more convincing. Rhythm is the essence of tango, plus catchy melodies which can then be developed – and there’s so much emotion in it too.”
“Kind of Tango” is indeed a kaleidoscope of shifting emotions. Haffner’s conception of tango has drama and propulsion in it, but also melancholy and longing, with room for frenetic outbursts too. All this is unified by his inimitable groove and feel that commentators have called “an absolute dream”, “magical” and “profoundly relaxed”. Alongside trusted co-protagonists Christopher Dell and Lars Danielsson, he has two guests with him who defy all the clichés associated with tango: guitarist Ulf Wakenius cut his teeth musically in Oscar Peterson’s band, and his Swedish heritage always shines through in his playing. Vincent Peirani is one of the leading innovators on the accordion, and he finds new ways to define the instrument’s role in the tango. Young pianist Simon Oslender is making a first appearance with the band.
Jazz and tango find a natural yet constantly shifting equilibrium – to be heard particularly effectively on “Close Your Eyes And Listen” by Astor Piazzolla. In addition to compositions by Haffner himself and by his band members, pieces by the celebrated Argentinian bandoneon player and composer are the focal point of the album. Piazzolla’s innovations with the tango, such as bringing jazz into it, date from around 1955. Haffner and the tango seem perfectly matched to each other. Tango is no longer a fixed style nowadays, it is above all an attitude to playing and an attitude to life. Wolfgang Haffner’s approach to tango is both authentic and new. It is his and his alone. And it is irresistible.
Wolfgang Haffner / drums
Lars Danielsson / bass & cello
Christopher Dell / vibraphone
Simon Oslender / piano
Vincent Peirani / accordion
Ulf Wakenius / guitar
Alma Naidu / vocals
Sebastian Studnitzky / trumpet
Bill Evans / saxophone (07 & 09)
Lars Nilsson / flugelhorn (03)
the art in music: Cover art (detail) by Gert & Uwe Tobias, by kind permission of the artists
“This isn’t about reproducing an original, it’s much more like a translation. When I absorb and adapt influences and when I write, I follow my own path – and that allows me to be myself. It’s a process from which something new and contemporary can emerge.” This is how Wolfgang Haffner describes the artistic approach in his “Kind of...” album trilogy, all of which have the unmistakable Haffner sound running right through them. After a first adventure in cool jazz, and then a search for musical traditions in Spain, his new destination is Buenos Aires: “From the moment Siggi Loch suggested tango as my third point of departure, I didn’t need any more convincing. Rhythm is the essence of tango, plus catchy melodies which can then be developed – and there’s so much emotion in it too.”
“Kind of Tango” is indeed a kaleidoscope of shifting emotions. Haffner’s conception of tango has drama and propulsion in it, but also melancholy and longing, with room for frenetic outbursts too. All this is unified by his inimitable groove and feel that commentators have called “an absolute dream”, “magical” and “profoundly relaxed”. Alongside trusted co-protagonists Christopher Dell and Lars Danielsson, he has two guests with him who defy all the clichés associated with tango: guitarist Ulf Wakenius cut his teeth musically in Oscar Peterson’s band, and his Swedish heritage always shines through in his playing. Vincent Peirani is one of the leading innovators on the accordion, and he finds new ways to define the instrument’s role in the tango. Young pianist Simon Oslender is making a first appearance with the band.
Jazz and tango find a natural yet constantly shifting equilibrium – to be heard particularly effectively on “Close Your Eyes And Listen” by Astor Piazzolla. In addition to compositions by Haffner himself and by his band members, pieces by the celebrated Argentinian bandoneon player and composer are the focal point of the album. Piazzolla’s innovations with the tango, such as bringing jazz into it, date from around 1955. Haffner and the tango seem perfectly matched to each other. Tango is no longer a fixed style nowadays, it is above all an attitude to playing and an attitude to life. Wolfgang Haffner’s approach to tango is both authentic and new. It is his and his alone. And it is irresistible.
Jazz und Tango in eine schwebende Balance gebracht.
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Wolfgang Haffner
Wolfgang Haffner is regarded as Germany's "best"
(Die Welt) and "coolest" (ARD ttt) drummer, as well as the "most
important drummer of his generation" (Süddeutsche Zeitung) – all accolades
bestowed upon him by the music industry.
Haffner began his career early, and at the age of 18, he was
chosen by Albert Mangelsdorff to join his band. Over the years, he has not only
played with some of the finest German jazz musicians, including Klaus
Doldinger, Till Brönner, and Michael Wollny, but he is also one of the few
Germans who have achieved international success. U.S. stars like Pat Metheny,
Randy and Michael Brecker, Chuck Loeb, and John Abercrombie have entrusted
their music to his unwavering drive and inspiring creativity. Scandinavian
greats from Nils Landgren to Lars Danielsson have also benefited from his
powerful and dynamic drumming. Due to his extremely forceful and dynamic
playing, Haffner is also in high demand as a collaborator with rock and pop
stars such as Chaka Khan, the Fantastischen Vier, and even Nightmares on Wax.
Like many of the best in his field, Haffner was never
content with just playing the drums. He started composing and producing early
on, and he launched his own projects. With albums under his own name, Haffner
is now one of the most successful German jazz musicians and bandleaders.
Wolfgang Haffner is a master of atmosphere, groove, and
flow. His keen sense of musical beauty and atmospheric moods define his music.
He has developed his own distinctive personal style, and as a bandleader, he
has undoubtedly crafted a typical Haffner sound that is recognizable within
just a few bars.
As a producer, Haffner has also made a name for himself,
working with bands like Mezzoforte and singer Max Mutzke. As a drummer, he has
appeared on over 400 albums, performed at major jazz festivals worldwide, and
toured in 100 countries, from Japan to the USA, from South Africa to Brazil.
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