Joo Kraus - Public Jazz Society (Live) (2015) [Hi-Res]

Info for Public Jazz Society
Joo Kraus is one of a select few: trumpet-players of an exceptional caliber from Germany who have gained an international reputation. Having kicked off the chase to border-crossing renown through the formation Tab Two together with Helmut Hattler, first-rate instrumental sessions and an insatiable creative inquisitiveness were driving factors in establishing a growing impression after the group split up. Whether as guest artist on projects such as De Phazz or Soullounge, in alternating formations with Cuban pianist Omar Sosa (currently to be heard on the album SKP 9136 “JOG” as duo/trio), or teamed up with Paula Morelenbaum, the reigning queen of Brazilian Bossa Nova in the Bossarenova Trio (SKP 9113 “Samba Preludio”), the style of playing generated by Joo Kraus on trumpet is always one-of-a-kind, and even more so in combination with breathy Rap inserts. In 2012 his efforts were honored in Germany with an ECHO Jazz award. Alongside Tab Two, just as successful in both an artistic and commercial sense was the project entitled “Public Jazz Lounge” (SKP 9040). This intriguing name merged the southwestern German broadcasting network’s SWR Big Band, Joo Kraus and his alter ego, arranger Ralf Schmid, back in 2003 to create an equally audacious and tasteful blend of Jazz and Pop that ranked in the Top 10 on the German Jazz Charts and won a Jazz Award in GOLD not too long ago for more than 10,000 recording media sold in Germany. Rip-roaring concerts ensured that the concept always remained fresh and up to date by adding new repertoire.

Keeping all this in mind, it was naturally long since overdue to document this currently ‘public’ state of affairs and capture the magic live. The best from ‘hometown’ concerts in Ulm, Tübingen, Karlsruhe, Ludwigsburg and Mannheim has now been recorded under the title “Public Jazz Society”. In addition to classics from the concert program such as the Simon & Garfunkel hit “Scarborough Fair” or “Birdland” by Joe Zawinul, above all it’s a number of new pieces that strike the balance between the rollercoasting big-band sound (for instance on the prelude track “In The Stone”, an Earth, Wind & Fire cover version) and trumpet showcases featuring Joo Kraus (like on the David Bowie song “Let’s Dance”). Amidst the fireworks and fanfare, time and again the outstanding arrangements by pianist Ralf Schmid (lend an ear to the completely new approach taken to the Maurice Ravel classic, “Bolero”) and the fantastic soloists in the SWR Big Band make these concerts more than memorable.

Public Jazz Society is going to be touring extensively in 2016. It’s a sure bet that audiences will be thrilled by other highlights from the current album, including the Michael Jackson hit “Black Or White” and “Getaway” by Earth, Wind & Fire, all live and onstage.

Tracklist:
01. Joo Kraus - In the Stone (Live) (3:47)
02. Joo Kraus - Scarborough Fair (Live) (8:08)
03. Joo Kraus - Let's Dance (Live) (7:13)
04. Joo Kraus - Fast Forward (Live) (6:24)
05. Joo Kraus - Bolero (Live) (6:24)
06. Joo Kraus - Birdland (Live) (7:30)
07. Joo Kraus - Getaway (Live) (4:41)
08. Joo Kraus - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Live) (3:14)
09. Joo Kraus - San Fran Safari Club (Live) (5:24)
10. Joo Kraus - Magic Cube (Live) (4:54)
11. Joo Kraus - Black or White (Live) (6:15)