Friedrich Gulda, the renowned Austrian pianist and composer, presents "Donau so Blue," a captivating exploration of classical piano and jazz fusion, released on October 17, 2014, via MPS. This enchanting album, spanning 39 minutes, features six tracks that blend Gulda's virtuosic piano playing with the rich textures of an Austrian rhythm section, including bassist Johann Anton Rettenbacher and drummer Manfred Josel.
The album opens with "Die Schöne Musi," setting the stage for a journey through Gulda's unique musical landscape. "Donau so Blue" follows, offering a fresh take on the classic waltz, showcasing Gulda's ability to reinvent familiar tunes with a jazz sensibility. "Hau Di in Gatsch" and "Selbstgespräch Im Kasgraben" delve deeper into Gulda's eclectic style, combining classical elegance with improvisational flair.
"Requiem" provides a moment of reflection, highlighting Gulda's compositional prowess, while "Andrerseits" concludes the album with a lively, upbeat tempo. Throughout "Donau so Blue," Friedrich Gulda demonstrates his mastery of both classical and jazz idioms, creating a timeless collection that celebrates his innovative approach to music. This album is a testament to Gulda's enduring legacy as a pioneer in the fusion of classical and jazz genres.
Vinylscout