by Brent Black www.crictialJazz.com Nothing beats great cover art, with the exception of what you find inside this release. Uli Geissendoerfer is a musical visionary. ... Colors brings Geissendoerfer's talents and vision to fruition in a rich and bold hybrid of World Music, jazz and incredible improvisation direction. Normally when an artist attempts to fuse such a variety of interests/experience the end result is more often than not a musical train wreck at the worst or a slightly forgettable hodge podge at best. There is absolutely no creative drop off to be found on this release..... Opening with "3-41" which is delightful tip of his musical hat to Tania Maria and Sergio Mendez, Geissendoerfer goes past colors and begins concentrating on the flavor and texture that begins to set the stage for this incredibly impressive outing. One of the most unique aspects to Colors would have to be the lyrical play between vocalist Pascale Elia and saxophonist Charles McNeal. While the more world oriented presentation exists between Elia and McNeal, this remaining members of this quintet are deceptively subtle in swing and harmonic develop and they gradually bring in the more traditional forms of western improvised music. "Honey Pie" was a tune brought to this most eclectic ensemble with the end result of Geissendoerfer stepping on the gas for blistering and organic swing most straight ahead bands struggle to hit today. Elia's vocals are spot on and McNeal plays with a classic old school lyrical sense of purpose that adds just another color to this sonic mosaic. Geissendoerfer is a formidable pianist to go along with his talents as a composer and helps drive a killer rhythm section. Derek Jones handles the bass work and in an impeccably strong lyrical player while the finesse and innate ability to swing exudes from drummer Ryan Rose with relative ease. "Soulful" is a Geissendoerfer original that is aptly titled once again adding another harmonic color to the mix. Geissendoerfer take you to the land of rhythm and groove and a trip well worth taking. One of the finest tracks on the release once again showing the virtuoso talent that flows from Geissendoerfer with relative ease. Lennon-McCartney covers showing up on any jazz oriented release normally are a sonic trip wire but "Norwegian Wood" is pulled off with a daring reharmonization with a slightly more up tempo vocal from Elia and a slightly more funk infused arrangement with Geissendoerfer opening up on rhodes before moving to piano. Geissendoerfer has seemingly developed his own hybrid of what I will call world jazz combined with an intriguing cinematic concept with jazz sensibilities and fuses these influences with amazing cohesion. The quintet as well as the special guests help pull from this rich sonic color pallet and are key in transforming what may have otherwise been a good release into a very special if not great release. Hello, I received your CD 'Colors' through the station manager at www.wnjr.org I have a show called BIGDADDYJAZZ on friday nights. I love 'colors' It is quite wonderful and fresh. I will be playing some cuts aug 24 and I will add the cd to our library. Its really great. Thanks for sending, Patrick Arena  WNJR | 91.7 FM  www.wnjr.org LATIN BEAT Young piano extraordinaire Uli Geissendoerfer, who studied with Chucho Valdes in Cuba, has recorded a solo debut titled The Extension includes a superb trombone interchange between William Cepeda and Luis Bonilla on the title track. Uli is a truly gifted pianist with a big future ahead of him. _____________________________________________________________ 5. Bühler Jazztival Atemlose Akkord-Kaskaden, perlende Läufe, Latin-schwangere Phrasen - der Münchner und Wahl-New-Yorker Pianist Uli Geissendoerfer setzt sein Publikum einem Wechselbad der Gefühle aus. Die stilistische Bandbreite reicht vom Sog brasilianischer Lebenslust über berührende Gospel-Interpretationen bis zum verjazzten Schuhplattler. ___________________________________________________________ Featured Artist: Uli Geissendoerfer CD Title: The Extension Review: It is good to discover great new talent, and please allow me to introduce you to the jazz sounds of pianist/synthesist/composer, Uli Geissendoerfer in THE EXTENSION. This is a long, enjoyable adventure in contemporary jazz with 8 selections. ...Uli Geissendoerfer is a versatile, remarkable pianist\ ...and performs one of the finest versions of "Nobody Knows" to come along in a long time. ..THE EXTENSION is a winner. Uli Geissendoerfer is a flawless pianist, blessed with a great style and the ability to share jazz music moods with an audience. Reviewed by: Lee Prosser _____________________________________________________________ Bridging the Gap is sparked by Uli Geissendoerfer's dazzling keyboard, producing and arranging skills and ... Just as Larry Young's modernist take on the B-3 helped define the forward-looking thrust of Lifetime, so does Geissendoerfer's unique approach to the instrument he affectionately refers to as "The Beast" underscore this trio's probing yet groove-conscious nature. Bill Milkoswki - a regular contributor to Jazz Times and Jazziz magazines. He is also the author of "JACO: The Extraordinary And Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius" (Backbeat Books) _____________________________________________________________ Her Majesty's Theatre Sidney - Australia With Grammy nominee Uli Geissendoerfer on piano, jazz composer Mark Lambert on guitar, Gregory M Jones (an original faculty member of New York's Bass Collective) on bass and co-producer Todd Turkisher on drums, the musical accompaniment was formidable. Arna Eyers-White Saturday September 20 State Theatre, September 25 Sidney,AU Ute Lemper The quartet of Uli Geissendoerfer (piano), Mark Lambert (guitar), Gregory Jones (bass) and Todd Turkisher (drums) occupied a no man's land between rock and jazz, emerging more like a tiny orchestra, the meticulously arranged parts played with precision _____________________________________________________________ "The Extension", el disco del pianista Uli Geissendoerfer bajo su propio sello, incluye un magnï¿½ico intercambio musical entre los trombonistas William Cepeda y Luis Bonilla en el corte que le da nombre al album. Uli realmente es un virtuoso poseedor de un gran futuro.... " _____________________________________________________________ What a coincidence! Listening to your CD as I opened my mail. Your music is totally burning, each tune has an emotion to it. Totally musical. Congratulations on capturing the true meaning of what music is supposed to do: Inspire, instill emotions, excite, etc.,etc.,etc.! I'll be listening again and again. Thanks for kindly giving me a copy. Hope to see and hear you soon, Best regards, Steve Bleifuss _____________________________________________________________ Jazz Podium Juli/August 2004 CD-Rezension: Uli Geissendoerfer "The Extension" Latinjazz-Freunde sollen die Ohren aufmachen: Mit dem Mnchener, in den USA lebenden Uli Geissendoerfer betritt ein vielversprechender Tastenkünstler die internationale Bühne, wenngleich dies nicht seine erste CD ist und er mit Posaunist William Cepeda, als Filmkomponist von "Climbing Miss Sophie" oder als Stammpianist bei Ute Lemper die Bretter der Welt schon kennt. Geissendoerfer hat Klassik sowie Jazz u. a. bei Chucho Valdés studiert. Er verfügt über virtuose Schnellspielfähigkeiten, die er ebenso gestalterisch wie improvisatorisch einzusetzen weiss. Von acht Sütcken sind sieben Eigenkompositionen, alle selbst arrangiert und von herausragender Qualität. Die Mitspieler (vom Trio bis zum Nonett, u. a. mit Cepeda) erhalten intensive Möglichkeiten zur Improvisation, die dicht und flott ineinander verwoben sind. Sein Pianostil erinnert mehr am Michel Camilo als an Valdés, die Harmonien und rhythmischen Grundmuster entstammen mehr der Sprache des Jazz, in die sich die Latinelemente nahtlos integrieren. Nebst der lebhaften Nummern kann Geissendoerfer auch Balladen gefhlvoll gestalten wie "Wedding song" und kombiniert berührende Ausdrucksstärke mit komplex vertrackter Pianistik in "Nobody knows". "The Extension" ist auch für reine Pianojazz-Freunde ein gewinnendes Erlebnis. Matthias Weiller ____________________________________________________________ JAZZTHING Ausgabe September/Oktober 2004 CD-Rezension Man glaubt es kaum: Hier sitzt einer hinter dem Flgel, dessen Herkunft zunächst eher eine gewisse Kühle des Temperaments erwarten lässt. Uli Geissendoerfer stammt aus Deutschland und hat ein Album hingelegt, das die Latte im Latin-Fach verdammt hoch hängt. Seit 1987 lebt er in den USA und hat sich dort einen Namen als Sideman für Leute wie Kenny Wheeler, Slide Hampton, Lew Soloff und Gary Burton gemacht. Seine Latin-Lektion hat er sich vor allem bei Chucho Valdés in Kuba geholt. Credits, die erklären, warum "The Extension" leicht mithalten kann in der Liga heutiger afrokaribischer Tastenmeister. Vom explosiven Nonett ber das lyrische Quartett bis zum Uptempo-Trio hat der Münchner US-Musiker verschiedene Besetzungen für diese Produktion um sich geschart und sieben Titel eingespielt, die neben der genretypischen Virtuosität auch die Komposition und das Arrangement in den Vordergrund stellen. Geissendoerfer beherrscht auf den Tasten das komplette Repertoire: Ihm gehen virtuose Unisono-Läufe genauso von den Fingern wie komplexe Latin-Phrasen und halsbrecherische Akkordkaskaden. Auch wenn das stellenweise stark nach Michel Camilo klingt, ist der Mann aus Bayern, der auch schon für Ute Lemper den Pianisten gegeben hat, vom Kopisten weit entfernt. Den Beweis gibt's noch einmal am Schluss: Ein sechsminütiger Soloausflug über den Gospelsong "Nobody Knows (the Trouble I've Seen)" zeigt, dass hier einer kreativ mit Akkorden und Harmonien umgehen kann. (ms)

Nothing beats great cover art, with the exception of what you find inside this release. Uli Geissendoerfer is a musical visionary. ... Colors brings Geissendoerfer's talents and vision to fruition in a rich and bold hybrid of World Music, jazz and incredible improvisation direction. Normally when an artist attempts to fuse such a variety of interests/experience the end result is more often than not a musical train wreck at the worst or a slightly forgettable hodge podge at best. There is absolutely no creative drop off to be found on this release.....

Opening with "3-41" which is delightful tip of his musical hat to Tania Maria and Sergio Mendez, Geissendoerfer goes past colors and begins concentrating on the flavor and texture that begins to set the stage for this incredibly impressive outing. One of the most unique aspects to Colors would have to be the lyrical play between vocalist Pascale Elia and saxophonist Charles McNeal. While the more world oriented presentation exists between Elia and McNeal, this remaining members of this quintet are deceptively subtle in swing and harmonic develop and they gradually bring in the more traditional forms of western improvised music. "Honey Pie" was a tune brought to this most eclectic ensemble with the end result of Geissendoerfer stepping on the gas for blistering and organic swing most straight ahead bands struggle to hit today. Elia's vocals are spot on and McNeal plays with a classic old school lyrical sense of purpose that adds just another color to this sonic mosaic. Geissendoerfer is a formidable pianist to go along with his talents as a composer and helps drive a killer rhythm section. Derek Jones handles the bass work and in an impeccably strong lyrical player while the finesse and innate ability to swing exudes from drummer Ryan Rose with relative ease. "Soulful" is a Geissendoerfer original that is aptly titled once again adding another harmonic color to the mix. Geissendoerfer take you to the land of rhythm and groove and a trip well worth taking. One of the finest tracks on the release once again showing the virtuoso talent that flows from Geissendoerfer with relative ease. Lennon-McCartney covers showing up on any jazz oriented release normally are a sonic trip wire but "Norwegian Wood" is pulled off with a daring reharmonization with a slightly more up tempo vocal from Elia and a slightly more funk infused arrangement with Geissendoerfer opening up on rhodes before moving to piano. Geissendoerfer has seemingly developed his own hybrid of what I will call world jazz combined with an intriguing cinematic concept with jazz sensibilities and fuses these influences with amazing cohesion. The quintet as well as the special guests help pull from this rich sonic color pallet and are key in transforming what may have otherwise been a good release into a very special if not great release.

Hello,

I received your CD 'Colors' through the station manager at www.wnjr.org I have a show called BIGDADDYJAZZ on friday nights. I love 'colors' It is quite wonderful and fresh. I will be playing some cuts aug 24 and I will add the cd to our library. Its really great.

Thanks for sending, Patrick Arena

WNJR | 91.7 FM
www.wnjr.org

LATIN BEAT

Young piano extraordinaire Uli Geissendoerfer, who studied with Chucho Valdes in Cuba, has recorded a solo debut titled The Extension includes a superb trombone interchange between William Cepeda and Luis Bonilla on the title track. Uli is a truly gifted pianist with a big future ahead of him.

_____________________________________________________________

5. Bühler Jazztival

Atemlose Akkord-Kaskaden, perlende Läufe, Latin-schwangere Phrasen - der Münchner und Wahl-New-Yorker Pianist Uli Geissendoerfer setzt sein Publikum einem Wechselbad der Gefühle aus. Die stilistische Bandbreite reicht vom Sog brasilianischer Lebenslust über berührende Gospel-Interpretationen bis zum verjazzten Schuhplattler.

___________________________________________________________

Featured Artist: Uli Geissendoerfer

CD Title: The Extension

Review: It is good to discover great new talent, and please allow me to introduce you to the jazz sounds of pianist/synthesist/composer, Uli Geissendoerfer in THE EXTENSION. This is a long, enjoyable adventure in contemporary jazz with 8 selections. ...Uli Geissendoerfer is a versatile, remarkable pianist\ ...and performs one of the finest versions of "Nobody Knows" to come along in a long time. ..THE EXTENSION is a winner. Uli Geissendoerfer is a flawless pianist, blessed with a great style and the ability to share jazz music moods with an audience.

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

_____________________________________________________________

Bridging the Gap is sparked by Uli Geissendoerfer's dazzling keyboard, producing and arranging skills and ... Just as Larry Young's modernist take on the B-3 helped define the forward-looking thrust of Lifetime, so does Geissendoerfer's unique approach to the instrument he affectionately refers to as "The Beast" underscore this trio's probing yet groove-conscious nature.

Bill Milkoswki - a regular contributor to Jazz Times and Jazziz magazines. He is also the author of "JACO: The Extraordinary And Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius" (Backbeat Books)

_____________________________________________________________

Her Majesty's Theatre Sidney - Australia

With Grammy nominee Uli Geissendoerfer on piano, jazz composer Mark Lambert on guitar, Gregory M Jones (an original faculty member of New York's Bass Collective) on bass and co-producer Todd Turkisher on drums, the musical accompaniment was formidable.

Arna Eyers-White

Saturday September 20

State Theatre, September 25 Sidney,AU

Ute Lemper

The quartet of Uli Geissendoerfer (piano), Mark Lambert (guitar), Gregory Jones (bass) and Todd Turkisher (drums) occupied a no man's land between rock and jazz, emerging more like a tiny orchestra, the meticulously arranged parts played with precision

_____________________________________________________________

"The Extension", el disco del pianista Uli

Geissendoerfer bajo su propio sello, incluye un magnï¿½ico intercambio

musical entre los trombonistas William Cepeda y Luis Bonilla en el corte que

le da nombre al album. Uli realmente es un virtuoso poseedor de un gran

futuro.... "

_____________________________________________________________

What a coincidence! Listening to your CD as I opened my mail. Your music is totally burning, each tune has an emotion to it. Totally musical. Congratulations on capturing the true meaning of what music is supposed to do: Inspire, instill emotions, excite, etc.,etc.,etc.! I'll be listening again and again. Thanks for kindly giving me a copy.

Hope to see and hear you soon, Best regards, Steve Bleifuss

_____________________________________________________________

Jazz Podium Juli/August 2004

CD-Rezension: Uli Geissendoerfer "The Extension"

Latinjazz-Freunde sollen die Ohren aufmachen: Mit dem Mnchener, in den USA lebenden Uli Geissendoerfer betritt ein vielversprechender Tastenkünstler die internationale Bühne, wenngleich dies nicht seine erste CD ist und er mit Posaunist William Cepeda, als Filmkomponist von "Climbing Miss Sophie" oder als Stammpianist bei Ute Lemper die Bretter der Welt schon kennt.

Geissendoerfer hat Klassik sowie Jazz u. a. bei Chucho Valdés studiert. Er verfügt über virtuose Schnellspielfähigkeiten, die er ebenso gestalterisch wie improvisatorisch einzusetzen weiss. Von acht Sütcken sind sieben Eigenkompositionen, alle selbst arrangiert und von herausragender Qualität. Die Mitspieler (vom Trio bis zum Nonett, u. a. mit Cepeda) erhalten intensive Möglichkeiten zur Improvisation, die dicht und flott ineinander verwoben sind. Sein Pianostil erinnert mehr am Michel Camilo als an Valdés, die Harmonien und rhythmischen Grundmuster entstammen mehr der Sprache des Jazz, in die sich die Latinelemente nahtlos integrieren. Nebst der lebhaften Nummern kann Geissendoerfer auch Balladen gefhlvoll gestalten wie "Wedding song" und kombiniert berührende Ausdrucksstärke mit komplex vertrackter Pianistik in "Nobody knows". "The Extension" ist auch für reine Pianojazz-Freunde ein gewinnendes Erlebnis.

Matthias Weiller

____________________________________________________________

JAZZTHING Ausgabe September/Oktober 2004

CD-Rezension

Man glaubt es kaum: Hier sitzt einer hinter dem Flgel, dessen Herkunft zunächst eher eine gewisse Kühle des Temperaments erwarten lässt. Uli Geissendoerfer stammt aus Deutschland und hat ein Album hingelegt, das die Latte im Latin-Fach verdammt hoch hängt. Seit 1987 lebt er in den USA und hat sich dort einen Namen als Sideman für Leute wie Kenny Wheeler, Slide Hampton, Lew Soloff und Gary Burton gemacht. Seine Latin-Lektion hat er sich vor allem bei Chucho Valdés in Kuba geholt. Credits, die erklären, warum "The Extension" leicht mithalten kann in der Liga heutiger afrokaribischer Tastenmeister. Vom explosiven Nonett ber das lyrische Quartett bis zum Uptempo-Trio hat der Münchner US-Musiker verschiedene Besetzungen für diese Produktion um sich geschart und sieben Titel eingespielt, die neben der genretypischen Virtuosität auch die Komposition und das Arrangement in den Vordergrund stellen. Geissendoerfer beherrscht auf den Tasten das komplette Repertoire: Ihm gehen virtuose Unisono-Läufe genauso von den Fingern wie komplexe Latin-Phrasen und halsbrecherische Akkordkaskaden. Auch wenn das stellenweise stark nach Michel Camilo klingt, ist der Mann aus Bayern, der auch schon für Ute Lemper den Pianisten gegeben hat, vom Kopisten weit entfernt. Den Beweis gibt's noch einmal am Schluss: Ein sechsminütiger Soloausflug über den Gospelsong "Nobody Knows (the Trouble I've Seen)" zeigt, dass hier einer kreativ mit Akkorden und Harmonien umgehen kann. (ms)

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