Review TSCR 9811

Burkhard Schlothauer is a German violinist and composer of remarkable skill, some of which is displayed on this recording. The descriptive word here is variety, as the virtuoso string player packs in a range of styles from straight-ahead jazz to bossa to Caribbean to rhythm & blues. While some of the pieces are magnificent, others fall flat, leaving the listener a bit perplexed and disappointed. The slow, haunting renditions of "My Funny Valentine" and "My Foolish Heart" are stunners, and Schlothauer shows his talent as a jazz improviser. "Monster Mobbin'" burns as a bluesy dance tune. The vocals miss the mark, however, and as a whole, the album suffers from an identity problem. Lothar Hensel's bandoneon is a consistent joy, as is Ahmed Chouraqui's electric guitar. If nothing else, this CD proves that the repertoire of the non-classical violin has not been fully mined and that although not identified with pop or jazz, the violin has much to offer in these venues.

Posted by Steven Loewy [+] | Jun 18, 2004

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↓→ Tracklisting & Credits
Tracklisting		Listen
1	"Minor Reggae" [+]			4:54
2	"My Foolish Heart" [+]			4:10
3	"Lugar Común I" [+]			7:17
4	"Peace" [+]			4:24
5	"Somethink" [+]			7:14
6	"Think Low" [+]			3:37
7	"Happy People" [+]			5:07
8	"My Funny Valentine" [+]			6:23
9	"Summertime" [+]			4:49
10	"Monster Mobbin'" [+]			6:58