"Variety and surprise characterise Retrospection... perhaps in that memorable final sequence lie the sequence of Hans Koller's magic - he solves the perpetual jazz conundrum of making music for the mind and the body. As 'Retrospection resoundingly confirms, he's doing it now with an intelligence and vivacity that brings him ever closer to the stature of Russell, Evans, Gibbs, and that long procession of his famous elders." - John Fordham
Hans Koller, the innovative contemporary pianist and composer, is to release Retrospection - a triple album of recordings, featuring the German NDR Bigband, legendary bassist Steve Swallow, American saxophonist John O'Gallagher and Danish guitarist Jakob Bro, alongside an outstanding line-up of eminent UK jazz musicians.
With influences from Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans to Lennie Tristano and Gil Evans, Retrospection brings together three distinct and fascinating recordings from the last five years of Koller's broad musical adventures.
Recorded in Hamburg, the final and most recent of the three recordings introduces the exceptional German NDR Bigband, which traces its origins back to 1945. The seven Koller originals offer strong echoes of Gil Evans' influence on his writing, together with the energy and intensity of the NDR.
Featuring extensive liner notes from John Fordham, original artwork and design, the limited edition 180gram triple vinyl is released in the UK on April 15th 2016, following special performances at Birmingham's CBSO Centre and London's King's Place. Retrospection is a joint release from Birmingham-based Stoney Lane Records and vinyl specialists Impossible Ark.
"Whether you are a big band music lover, a Hans Koller fan, or a jazz enthusiast who just enjoys great music, "Retrospection" is a must-have triple album. There's so much to enjoy and it'll keep you occupied for days…weeks…months. Whichever way you look at it, it's an incredible achievement from Hans Koller, and has to be rated as one of the most important and musically rewarding releases in 2016." - 5 Star - UK VIBE
