Helmut Brandt Orchestra - Spree Coast Jazz (1963)

Prepare to be transported to the cool, vibrant world of 1960s Berlin with “Spree Coast Jazz“ by the Helmut Brandt Orchestra. This hidden gem, recorded in March 1963 at the Haus des Rundfunks in West Berlin, unveils the genius of composer, arranger, and baritone saxophonist Helmut Brandt. Featuring a stellar lineup, including Benny Bailey, Herb Geller, Nat Peck, and Ack van Rooyen, this one-off concert breathes life into mostly unknown Brandt compositions. “Boogie Waltz“ kicks off the journey with a lively rhythm that sets the tone for the entire album. The orchestra, comprised of eleven soloists from Berlin’s RIAS and SFB radio orchestras, weaves through Brandt’s intricate compositions, from the pulsating energy of “Trifi“ to the contemplative beauty of “Opus C-Moll 794.“ The centerpiece is the “Ferien-Suite,“ a musical travelogue in six movements, taking you on an imaginative holiday trip through sound. Helmut Brandt’s vision extends beyond the ordinary. In “Spree Coast Jazz,“ he introduces the concept of “More head, less legs,“ emphasizing the intellect over raw emotion. Influenced by Miles Davis and Bob Graettinger, Brandt’s compositions are a fusion of rhythm, form, and avant-garde inspiration. The result is a unique brand of jazz, often referred to as “Spree Coast Jazz“ in playful homage to the American West Coast. Brandt’s journey in jazz began in post-war Berlin, where he immersed himself in the sounds of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Switching from tenor to baritone saxophone in 1954, he founded the legendary “Helmut Brandt Combo,“ making waves at the German Jazz Festival in Frankfurt. Their farewell in 1959 marked the end of an era, but Brandt’s legacy continued to evolve. The 1963 concert captured in “Spree Coast Jazz“ showcases a matured Brandt, leading an orchestra of exceptional talent. The orchestra, adorned with trumpets, saxophones, trombones, piano, bass, and drums, creates a rich tapestry of sound. Each track is a revelation, and the inclusion of Jerry van Rooyen’s compositions “Trifi“ and “Stellar“ adds an extra layer of brilliance. While Brandt’s discography under his name might be sparse, his influence is profound. From his early cool jazz experiments to symphonic jazz explorations, Brandt’s musical journey was marked by innovation. Join us in rediscovering this forgotten concert, resurrected from the Helmut Brandt estate, as we pay homage to a key figure in the history of modern jazz in Germany. The audio restoration and final mastering in 2017 by Roskow Kretschmann at Audiomoto Berlin ensure that every note of this historical recording is brought to life. The album cover, adorned with photos by Hans Harzheim, Josef Werkmeister, and Susanne Schapowalow, is a visual journey into the past. So, sit back, relax, and let the “Spree Coast Jazz“ transport you to a time when Berlin was alive with the sounds of Helmut Brandt and his visionary orchestra.