You always meet twice in life.
Simon Oslender must have thought of this dictum when he said goodbye to Steve Gadd after three unforgettable days in the studio with the legendary drummer as well as Eddie Gomez, Ronnie Cuber and the WDR Big Band in early 2022, recording the Grammy-nominated album CENTER STAGE (Leopard D 77107). You always meet twice in life - the pianist, keyboardist and organist was also hoping so in 2021 when he recorded his second solo album with another legend, bassist Will Lee (PEACE OF MIND, Leopard D 77110). Two American giants of the studio scene - musical innovators who have both accompanied all the greats of R&B, pop, soul, funk, blues and jazz on countless records - and countless times side by side, together.
Now that old saying is proving true once again. Simon Oslender, 26 years of age, has met Steve Gadd and Will Lee once again - for his third album as a leader, ALL THAT MATTERS. The title says it all: "Steve emphasized it again and again: 'It's all about the feel, it's all about the groove'. That's all that matters, it just has to feel good." And it does.
ALL THAT MATTERS offers everything that is musically most important to Oslender - and picks up on what his roots are: R&B, blues, soul, gospel and funk. And the instrument he began learning at the age of five also finds its rightful place here - the good old Hammond B3. And thus, a very personal album - and with the presence of Steve Gadd and Will Lee, the fulfillment of one of his biggest personal dreams.
This illustrious line-up is completed by Germany's leading groove specialist among guitarists, Bruno Muller, and the excellent alto saxophonist Jakob Manz, who - despite his young age - has a deep connection with groove jazz. Featured as a special guest is Swedish trombonist extraordinaire Nils Landgren, one of the strongest and most recognizable voices in the jazz world today.
Music that should - above all - convey a good feeling is truly in good hands with these musicians.
