VA - Reunion in the Black Forest (The Sounds of MPS Vol. II) (2024) [Hi-Res]

After Welcome to the Black Forest (The Sounds of MPS), a magnificent compilation in 24-bit Hi-Res quality released exclusively for Qobuz in February 2022, highlighting the variety of MPS Records' eclectic catalogue, now comes Reunion in the Black Forest - The Sounds of MPS Vol. II! With this second volume, also available exclusively on Qobuz, the German label founded in 1968 by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer proves yet again the breadth of its repertoire. Jazz-rock, swing, hard bop, Latin jazz, vocal jazz - nothing is missing from this compilation. It features Oscar Peterson on a brilliant live version of “On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)” and other equally legendary pianists such as Red Garland, Chick Corea and Monty Alexander (the stunning “Monticello” kick starts the compilation with a 5-star rhythm section featuring Eugene Wright on bass and Bobby Durham on drums).


Another gem from Reunion in the Black Forest is the languorous “Candlelight” by Joe Henderson's quartet with Chick Corea, Ron Carter and Billy Higgins, as well as a swinging cover of The Beatles' “Hey Jude” by Ella Fitzgerald. For those with a taste for real groove, “Au Right” by a youthful George Duke (a 1971 recording when Californian keyboardist was only 25!) promises to excite even the most conservative listener. The 20 tracks on this compilation are a musical delight. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz