Amid the achievements in the life of famed composer, arranger and band director Peter Herbolzheimer, a most prestigious tribute occurred on recent European television entitle "A Portrait". During this ninety minute special shown throughout Europe , many of Peter's colleagues shared their revered moments in music and words of his creative genius, musical skills and outstanding teaching. This was a story of his life's work and career in music and the endless entertainment he has given millions. The full impact of his brilliance is now being discovered in the US with his first release through Alanna Records, "Toots Suite".
With this recording, listen well to the outstanding musicians Peter chose to deliver his terrific works. The power and drive displayed by these fantastic players in Peter's big band are dynamically perfect and consistently meet the challenges in his power driven charts which are a major factor in his success.
The same year that Peter Herbolzheimer was born in Bucharest , Romania , Glenn Miller had just joined Ray Noble. Benny Goodman had just recorded King Porter Stomp, and was appearing with his band at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles . And the great Swing Era was gathering steam-creating a musical star that Peter would one day follow. And, oh yes, a certain Elvis Presley drew his first breath
Years later people were talking about Jazzrock or Fusion, both of which were more a departure from, than a combination of, separate elements. The guitar and piano were replaced by other instruments from the rhythm section, and took on the tasks of providing melody and sound. The traditional saxophone passages were then considered too soft for the new sphere of powerful rock rhythms, and finally, the complicated static chords, favored by the big bands in the bop era, made way for more mobile lines often blown in unison.
The founding of Peter Herbolzheimer's "Rythmn Combination & Brass" took place at that time. In the big band sphere, Peter took a first consequential step and gave equal focus to the rhythm and brass sections - both in numbers and in quality. Among composers and arrangers he remains to this day one of the most original and definitive figures for this form of music and its transposition for the big band.
After many years and magnificent concerts, festival appearances and recordings, the pure Jazzrock chapter was finally closed for Peter Herbolzheimer and the RC&B. The formation grew again into the classic big band format, without once committing a note of stylistic nostalgia to the music. Peter Herbolzheimer, as composer and arranger for this newly won musical mobility, ensured that the stylistic clarity and, naturally, the quality of the solos by his renowned musicians, were united with a sure feel for the historic and entertaining value of Swing. This recipe was applauded by audiences, and won a flood of enthusiasm from the most knowledgeable of Peteršs musical contemporaries. Mel Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Dianne Reeves, Nat Adderly, Clark Terry, Chacka Khan, and the list goes on and on.
long with his big band work, Peter has spent his last twenty years developing a project extremely important to him. It is teaching young people the art of jazz performance in an organized educational program known as The National Jazz Youth Orchestra of Germany - known for short in the US as the BuJazzO, which is appropriate to the German language initials. This is a most unusual and unique program that has become famous in its own right, and for literally knocking them dead with the gifted talents of its youth members. Peter and the Jazz Youth Orchestra are constantly touring, and creating an enormous interest in their projects. The kids are extraordinary students and musicians, and Peter's arrangements are fantastic.
