Simon Oslender Trio meets Randy Brecker

“What an evening” remarked SIMON OSLENDER after the concert, expressing on behalf of the band exactly what the audience and organisers had just experienced: a magnificent evening of music. The host, Reverend Thomas Gerhold, had introduced the concert by mentioning the metaphysical character of a churchroom. What followed were 100 minutes of rich, almost overwhelming sound within the spiritual space of the Friedenskirche. After a brilliant opening in a trio setting, the evening’s special guest took to the stage: legendary trumpeter RANDY BRECKER, 81 years old and, after countless strenuous concerts this year, appearing at first glance somewhat tired, but then: Within seconds he was right in the thick of the quartet, presenting a precision, versatility and innovative sound patterns on his trumpet and flugelhorn that explain why Randy has been influencing the music world for decades and honoured with numerous Grammys. It was a tremendous joy to experience all that live: here and now, all the more so as Randy’s influence complemented perfectly the rich tonal variations of Simon Oslender’s Hammond organ, keyboard and Steinway grand piano, and this not only during their duet but also in the quartet with a CLAUS FISCHERin top form on bass and JEROME CARDYNAALS on drums. Everything just clicked.

Thanks a million to Simon, Randy, Claus and Jerome for this amazing sound experience. Vielen vielen Dank an Simon, Randy, Claus und Jerome für dieses grandiose Klangerlebnis. 

Photos: Gerhard Richter, Videos: Klaudiusz Zylinski