Three Wise Men · The Gershwin Years
The Gershwin Years
A concert with music by George Gershwin, arranged and performed by
Frank Roberscheuten (NL) · Clarinet & Saxophone
Rossano Sportiello (IT) · Piano
Martin Breinschmid (AT) · Drums & Vibraphone
A concert recording from Bad Homburg Castle in Germany
HD Recording · DDD · Duration: c. 63 Minutes
CD & Digital Music Album
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astles and palaces have always inspired our imagination. They were and still are places of flourishing music culture, because they stimulate noble thoughts and deep feelings. Their tales and legends open our hearts and minds for romance in any sense. Standing in a castle one realises that romantisism embraces much more than the period so named. The works from different centuries and from multiple musical genres presented in our Castle Concerts series testify to this with the incomparable spirit of their interpretation.
Volker Northoff
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n the past ten years the Three Wise Men have established themselves as Europe's premier classical jazz trio. Founded by Dutch saxophonist Frank Roberscheuten in 2007 the band has toured Europe and proved it's outstanding format in over 700 concerts. Roberscheuten is considered one of the leading European saxophonists. His playing represents a colorful variety of influences ranging from New Orleans to Bebop based on the styles of Jazz giants like Coleman Hawkins,Johnny Hodges and Stan Getz. Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello is considered the heart of the Trio. After classical piano studies in Milano he established himself in the jazz center of the world New York City. His playing covers a stunning variety of styles mixing classical with Stride piano and Bebop. Bebop legend Barry Harrys: "Rossano is simply the best stride piano player in the world" and the New York Times quote: "Sportiello is the best Italian import since the Barolo". Viennese Drummer/Percussionist Martin Breinschmid supplies the rhythmic foundation for the Wise Men. His passion for virtuoso swing drumming à la Gene Krupa, vibraphone à la Lionel Hampton and his use of unusual percussion objects make him a unique personality in the jazz field.
Leading jazz critics have stated that the uniting element in the Three Wise Men is their love for swinging music that has lead to an almost telepathic understanding between the three musicians.
A concert by the Three Wise Men is a most entertaining journey through the world of classical jazz filled with fire, virtuosity, emotion and humor.
That's why it's a "must" not only for jazz lovers but for all people who appreciate good music.
Rossano Sportiello (IT) · Piano ~ Frank Roberscheuten (NL) · Reeds ~ Martin Breinschmid (AT) · Drums & Vibraphone
"Without being ensnared in "recreating" jazz's past, 'The Wise Men' lift our spirits, expressing their individuality while honoring the traditions of the music. They have their own joyous songs to share with us. Playing in a trio offers no place to hide; if the telepathy necessary for jazz breaks down for a second, everyone hears it. But these three musicians don't have this problem. It is as if they laugh at the same inside jokes; they know the nuances of their common language deeply and well. Each 'Wise Men' is a brilliant soloist in a wide variety of genres, but each one is more generous than narcissistic. The trio is a band - a jazz democracy where everyone pays attention and works for the benefit of the group. You'll hear them listening to each other's efforts in friendly dialogue. Their creativity is also evident in the trio's repertoire and their varied approaches to the music."
Michael Steinman
"All in all, 'Thee Wise Men' is a pretty accurate name for these three cats. Although Frank grew up in Holland, Martin in Austria and Rossano in Italy, each was wise enough, and talented enough, to have learned the American language of jazz, which they 'speak' fluently and beautifully. As a team, they are also wise enough to know how to present that music, that is, with class and conviction, dedication and love. Those essential elements are present in their live performances and recordings."
Dan Barrett
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ublishing Authentic Classical Concerts entails for us capturing and recording outstanding performances and concerts for posterity. The performers, audience, opus and room enter into an intimate dialogue that in its form and expression, its atmosphere, is unique and unrepeatable. It is our aim, the philosophy of our house, to enable the listener to acutely experience every facet of this symbiosis, the intensity of the performance, so we record the concerts in direct 2-Track Stereo digital HD. The results are unparalleled interpretations of musical and literary works, simply - audiophile snapshots of permanent value. Flourishing culture, enthralling the audience and last but not least also you the listener, are the values we endeavor to document in our editions and series.
Music that is new, pieces worth listening to and well worth conserving, little treasures from the traditional and the avantgarde - music that is unimaginable anywhere else but in the hotbed of Europe - we capture these in our Castle Concerts Series of recordings in their original settings in cooperation with Volker Northoff.
Andreas Otto Grimminger & Josef-Stefan Kindler, K&K Verlagsanstalt
1. I Got Rhythm [4:40]
2. But Not For Me [4:57]
3. Fascinating Rhythm [3:55]
4. I Loves You, Porgy [6:04]
5. Love Is Here To Stay [6:51]
6. Embraceable You [5:39]
7. Oh, Lady Be Good [4:55]
8. How Long Has This Been Going On? [5:58]
9. Liza (All The Clouds‘ll Roll Away) [4:10]
10. I've Got A Crush On You [3:11]
11. Swanee [5:05]
12. Strike Up The Band [7:26]
Music by George & Ira Gershwin
Arrangements by Frank Roberscheuten
A concert recording from Bad Homburg Castle in Germany,
created by Josef-Stefan Kindler, Andreas Otto Grimminger & Volker Northoff
Concert Date: March 12th, 2023
Sound Engineer: Andreas Otto Grimminger
Mastering: Andreas Otto Grimminger & Josef-Stefan Kindler
Photography, Artwork & Coverdesign: Josef-Stefan Kindler