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Jazz Ballads represents the art of instrumental storytelling based on beautiful melodies and the sonic identity of the lead instrument, the trumpet.

Voices from the press: Kathy Parsons

Jazz Ballads is the fourth album by Gerhard Daum that I’ve reviewed since 2017, and each album has been a surprise – from solo piano to guitar to ensemble and now to trumpet. Daum’s trumpet is the lead instrument on all of the tracks along with an ensemble that includes piano, flugelhorn, guitars and MIDI bass – all played by Daum – and drums/percussion performed by Adam Nussbaum. Daum composed and arranged all fourteen tracks and the album was recorded in Cologne and Berlin, Germany. Daum calls the style of this album “instrumental storytelling” which meshes well with his well-established career as an award-winning film music composer for US and European films and TV. The music is built around beautiful melodies and “the sonic identity of the lead instrument, the trumpet, reminiscent of legendary jazz standards and performers.” By blending elements of jazz with neoclassical and cinematic music styles, Daum has effectively created a sound that is both classic and new. Most of the music is performed at a relaxed tempo and has the feeling of a well-seasoned ensemble of musicians who play together often. Well, I guess “they” do play together often, but “they” is mostly Gerhard Daum himself. This is a great album and a fascinating project!

 

You can listen the music on all music streaming platforms by clicking below.

Listen to JAZZ BALLADS

 

  1. Air  3:16  Trumpet theme, smooth and light as a feather, with acoustic piano, upright bass, and brushed drums
  2. Nightbird  3:37  Subtle and elaborate trumpet lines with acoustic piano, upright bass, and lively drums
  3. Welcome Back  3:05  Groovy and rhythmical trumpet melody with acoustic guitars, upright bass, and joyful drums
  4. Alone Together  3:18  Classy, contemporary jazz standard with leading trumpet accompanied by piano, upright bass, and brushed drums
  5. Road Less Traveled   3:54  Contemporary cinematic blues trumpet theme with steel guitars, upright bass and live drums
  6. Kreuzberg Cafe   3:49  Trumpet Bossa theme with acoustic and electric guitars, upright bass, and drums
  7. Abendstimmung   3:34  Warm and tender trumpet with acoustic piano, upright bass, and feather light brushed drums
  8. Reel Inn  3:05  Muted trumpet, cool and chilled with vintage guitars, Rhodes piano, upright bass, and lively swinging drums
  9. Shades of Blue  1:52 Haunting flugelhorn theme, sophisticated and emotional with acoustic piano, upright bass, and brushed drums
  10. Route 96  3:25  Catchy muted trumpet theme underlined with fretless bass, steel guitars and drums
  11. Garden of Dreams  2:55  Gentle flowing trumpet melody with acoustic piano, upright bass, and relaxed brush strokes
  12. Soulcatcher  2:51  Soulful bluesy trumpet cue with acoustic piano, upright bass, and gentle brushed drums
  13. Easy Living  3:30  Lush and easy trumpet Bossa theme with acoustic guitars, piano, and light drums
  14. Reprise  2:52  Trumpet around midnight, relaxed and thoughtful accompanied by piano, upright bass, and drums
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