(Experimental Big Band/Avant-Garde Jazz) Vienna Art Orchestra - Blues For Brahms; From No Time to Rag Time; Swing & Affairs - 1983 - 2005, FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vienna Art Orchestra или "Венский художественный оркестр" существует уже четверть века. Его бессменный лидер Матиас Рюэгг приехал в Вену из Швейцарских Альп в середине 70-х, чтобы играть джаз (он был тогда сольным пианистом). Там он встретил другого горца, родом из снежной Каринтии (юг Австрии) - саксофониста Вольфганга Пушнига. Их дуэт быстро превратился в трио, которое, в свою очередь, переросло в квартет... Так родился оркестр, первый из более чем 30 альбомов которого, "Tango From Obango", вышел в 1979 г.
Оркестр стремительно взлетел к славе, причем не только в Европе, но и на родине джаза: уже к середине 80-х он занимал ведущие места в опросе критиков авторитетнейшего джазового журнала Down Beat, который выходит в Чикаго. Сформировавшийся к тому моменту уникальный стиль VAO включал огромное количество разных элементов, от джазовой традиции до европейской классики и фольклора, и все это было замешано на таланте Рюэгга - композитора, руководителя и главного аранжировщика оркестра.
Для своих развернутых, эпических альбомов, зачастую целиком посвященных творчеству одного композитора, венцы выбирали строго определенный материал. Постепенно выкристаллизовалась своеобразная "кольцевая" формула: оркестр подбирал музыку американских джазовых композиторов, на которых оказала влияние европейская классика (Дюк Эллингтон, Чарлз Мингус, Эрик Долфи) и исполнял эту музыку в аранжировках, в которых опять-таки отчетливо чувствовалось влияние европейской классики. Были и "программы наоборот": музыка европейских композиторов (причем очень разных - от Эрика Сати до Иоганна Штрауса), аранжированная, как джаз.
Шоу Vienna Art Orchestra на сцене - это не только музыка, это и мощное шоу. Каждый концерт "Художественного оркестра" - это сложная и впечатляющая постановка.
"Венский художественный оркестр" сейчас - это 21 человек основного состава плюс два "ассоциированных члена", один из которых - наш соотечественник, валторнист Аркадий Шилклопер. Каждый - не только оркестровый музыкант, но и интересный солист, зачастую имеющий свои собственные проекты и альбомы: и виртуозный контрабасист Георг Брайншмид, и гитарист из Бразилии Алегре Корреа, и саксофонист Хэнк Градишниг, и тубист-тромбонист Адриан Меарс... Лидер же, Матиас Рюэгг (кстати, во всей рекламной продукции оркестра его имя и фамилия пишутся принципиально с маленькой буквы!) - не только руководитель оркестра, но и директор самого известного в Вене джазового клуба "Porgy and Bess".

The Vienna Art Orchestra, one of Europe’s leading big bands, was created in Vienna in 1977 by mathias rüegg. After a short but intensively "activist" beginning, the young sound "phenomenon" conquered the concert halls of Europe with its audacious post-modern style, which encompassed the extremes of avantgarde and idiosyncratic Viennese Schmäh, as exemplified by the early recordings Tango from Obango, From No Time to Rag Time and The Minimalism of Erik Satie. In the late 1980s, the original 10-year-old line-up - which included Wolfgang Puschnig, Lauren Newton, Roman Schwaller, Wolfgang Reisinger, John Sass and Christian Radovan - gradually fell apart. A period of re-orientation followed, which only came to an end in 1992, with the success of the programs Fe&Males and La Belle et la Bête. A second generation formed the core of the orchestra thereafter, including: Matthieu Michel, Andy Scherrer, Klaus Dickbauer and Florian Bramböck, together with Bumi Fian and Harry Sokal.
In 1997, the VAO played with a smaller line-up after long-term members such as Herbert Joos, Uli Scherer and Heiri Känzig left the band. In 1998, thanks to Thorsten Benkenstein, it was enlarged to form a big band. Moving beyond its early avantgarde days, it evolved into a mature musical ensemble which ever since has consistently focused on developing well-planned programs in which dramaturgical and visual aspects are incorporated from beginning to end, with due respect paid to both European and American jazz traditions. Over the years, rüegg has sometimes spent less time composing and more time arranging thematic programs, such as the European Songbook, Nine Immortal (Non)Evergreens for Eric Dolphy, Ballads, American Rhapsody, Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love and All That Strauss. However, with the programs, Artistry in Rhythm, A Centenary Journey and art&fun.25, he asserted himself as a composer in a major way.
At once European and in a larger sense multi-national, the VAO is a rarity among large ensembles in that its members are all top-notch soloists who are capable of blending in an impeccable way to produce a homogenous sound. It shines with an overall brilliance without special focus on a few high-magnitude stars.
At present, the VAO’s pool of musicians is larger and younger than ever before and it keeps on changing according to the stylistic requirements of each program. Chief among the regulars are: Thomas Gansch, Arkady Schilkloper, Christian Muthspiel, Adrian Mears, Robert Bachner, Herwig Gradischnig, Martin Koller, Allegre Correa, Georg Breinschmid, Robert Riegler, Mario Gonzi & Jojo Mayer. Notably, since 2001, the VAO has been endowed with two types of rhythm sections, both electric and acoustic. Voice has also played a considerable role, with Anna Lauvergnac, Urszula Dudziak, Corin Curschellas and Lauren Newton taking turns as the orchestra’s vocalist.
2007 was the year of the trilogy "3" comprised of 39 compositions, conceived as encounters between the American and European cultures, in which thirteen American actresses meet thirteen European intellectuals. American Dreams, European Visionaries and Visionaries & Dreams were the names of these three programs which the VAO presented in 78 concerts to celebrate its 30th anniversary jubilee.
In 2009, the VAO is undergoing a major change as it moves beyond its last 10 years as a big band to reinvent itself as a chamber orchestra. The new program, penned by m.rüegg and featuring jazz soloists Harry Sokal, Juraj Bartos and Nico Gori, has taken the title Third Dream.
Over the past 27 years, the VAO has given more than 900 concerts in over 55 countries and has made more than 40 recordings. It has received many awards and is officially recognized as a cultural representative of Austria and has already been widely lauded, also in the USA.Now, as before, there are some fantastic young talents here to discover and who are worth following, such as the pianist Johanna Gröbner, the flutist Thomas Frey, and Austria’s own bassoonist Mattias Kronsteiner.

1977Vienna Art Orchestra founded by Rüegg, Puschnig and Schabata... without intentions, out of pure enjoyment and a little craziness... inspired by the creativity of the Vienna underground. First concert in Jazz-Gitti Club, Vienna. Street concerts, parties, happenings. Concert for four trees, fireworks, the soldier's book, half-militant children and orchestra.Favorite Subject of Discussion (FSOD): Anarchy
1978 - Jessas NaMultimedia concertos in Vienna with two writers(Joe Berger, Otto Kobalek), and two dancers, in additions to 22 performance artists and other participants. Performance at the first Saalfelden Jazz Festival with a local 45 piece brass band. During the first tour, the band is torn apart by disagreements and breaks up before finishing the tour. Recording of Single "Jessas Na" (re-issued in 1992).FSOD: Love
1979 - Tango from ObangoThe VAO now has 15 members (Werner Pirchner, Harry Pepl, Bumi Fian, Lauren Newton, Roman Schwaller, Herbert Joos, Uli Scherer, Wolfgang Puschnig, Christian Radovan, Heiri Känzig, Harry Sokal, and Wolfgang Reisinger, among others) and has finaly become more of a serious Jazz Orchestra. Two short tours in Austria. Recording of first LP, "Tango from Obango", for Extraplatte (which will be re-released on CD in 97).FSOD: Music
1980 - Concerto PiccoloFirst invitations from abroad (jazz festivals in Cologne and Zürich). The band plays really "tight" for the first time and begins to attract interest. First record contract with hat ART. Joris Dudli and John Sass join the band. In addition to two tours, VAO performs at the Vienna Festival (Wienere Festwochen) in the production "Der 8. Tag" (The Eight Day), with more than 100 other participants (The Vienna choir Jeunesse Musicale, a brass band, a solo dancer, mimes, spoken texts by Antonia Limacher and simultaneous scenic design).FSOD: US
1981 - Suite for the Green EightiesFollowing invitations to the Berlin Jazz Festival (Berliner Jazztage) and festivals in Donaueschingen, Hamburg, Moers and Warsaw, VAO enjoys wide international acclaim for the first time. With their "Wiener Schmäh" (i.e. Puschnig's lampoons), they become known in the European jazz scene as an insider's tip. Scenic production, "Johnny tritt ab", for the Donaueschingen Musiktage (with Maggie Nichols, Karin Krog, Lauren Newton, Jon Surman, & Harry Pepl). VAO produces the U&E Third Dream Festivals in Vienna, for which 10 Austrian jazz bands arrange compositions by contemporary Austrian composers.FSOD: The world
1982 - From No Time to Rag TimeThe VAO plays little-known jazz tunes by Anthony Braxton, Lennie Tristano, Hans Koller, Scott Joplin, Bokker Little. James Bood Ulmer, Fritz Power and others. 40 concerts in seven countries. Festivals performances include Willsau, Saalfelden, Leipzig, Nancy, Milan, Balve. Jahrespreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (Prize of the year of the German record critics) for "Concerto Piccolo"). VAO wins first jazz poll (ranks as No. 1 european Big Band at the Warsaw Jazz Forum).FSOD: Exceeding all limits
1983 - The Minimalism of Erik SatieThe horns interpret the music of Erik Satie and receive invitations from numerous classical festivals. Finland tour and an invitation to play mixed program at the Paris Jazz Festival. Rüegg forms the Vienna Art Choir (11 members of the Viennese Scönberg Choir, plus Puschnig, Radovan, L. Newton and George Lewis). Commissioned by Vienna's Serapion Theater, VAO plays its own version of Richard Wagner's "Götterdämmerung". Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and Prix jazz d'avantgarde (Paris) for "Suite for the Green Eighties".FSOD: Philosophy
1984 - Perpetuum MobileUSA tour (16 concerts throughout N.America, in such places as Kennedy Center, Washington DC, and in New York City's Public Theater. Present in the Audience are Gil Evans and Benny Golson). Further concerts in India and Bangkok (session with the musicians of the Royal Big Band of King Bhumipol Adolaydej). Puschnig, Schabata, Newton and Rüegg develop a concept with the Austrian poet Ernst Jandl in an effort to fuse open music with onomatopoetic "Jandl-artistry". This joint project lasts until 1991 and results in three CDs: "bist eulen?", "vom vom zum zum" and "lieber ein saxophon" (all Extraplatte). In 1987, in collaboration with Uli Scherer, the concept is expanded. Concert series based on the program "The minimalism of Erik Satie". The VAO ranks #1 in the Down Beat Poll (cat TWDR).FSOD: Women
1985 - Nightride of a Lonely SaxophoneplayerThe band, on an all-time high, plays 77 concerts in four months in 17 countries (Festivals: Montreux (TV), Athens, Genoa, Ljubljana, Moers, Groningen, Münster, East Berlin (TV), Tarbes, Luxemburg, Molde (TV), Bratislava, Leverkusen, Bergenz...) but this strenuous pace takes its toll on band members and tensions break out. Hannes Kottek plays lead trumpet for the first time. VAO becomes an official banner group for Austrian culture and ranks number one in nearly all jazz polls. Jahrespreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik for "bist eulen?". The VAO switches to Moers Music (unfortunately).FSOD: Money
1986 - Two Little AnimalsTwo European tours. Jazz festivals in Maputo, Mozambique and San Sebastian, In Wels, the VAO musicians appear in all of their various groupings for "An Evening with 7 x Art". Quarterly prize of the German record critics (Vierteljahrspreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik) for "Perpetuum Mobile". Performances of "The Minimalism of Erik Satie" in Milan, Florence and at the Brucknerhaus, Linz. The Swiss Swing project (art choir plus orchestra) premieres at Willisau Jazz Festival.FSOD: Repetition
1987 - Inside Out"Sens", the multimedia revue commissioned for the Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) draws an audience of 5,000. Featured, among others, are Rudi Berger, Dominique Pifarely (violin), Gérard Jamart (glass organ) and the Vienna Art Choir (televised). European tour, including performances at the Madrid Jazz Festival, the Europalia in Brussels and the Philharmonic in Cologne. Performances of "The Minimalism of Erik Satie" at festivals in Palermo and Hamburg. The Swiss choir performs at festivals in Paris and Moers.FSOD: Self determination vs. outside intervention
1988 - Blues for BrahmsParticipation in "Warp Around the World", Nam Paik's TV special for the Olympics. Stage music for George Tabori's "Frauen, Krieg, Lustspiel". VAO produces "Jandl Total" in thee Vienna Schau-spielhaus. Lisbon Jazz Festival. European tour, including performances in Zagreb, Gerona, Barcelona, Paris, Cologne (TV Broadcast) and Vienna (TV). Co Streiff plays in the place of Wolfgang Puschnig. The orchestra signs a three-year contract with Polygram. After reaping much praise on the occasion of their 10th anniversary and enjoying 10 years of largely positive commentary by the press, the VAO finds its critics splitting into two camps, pro and con...FSOD: Alcohol
1989 - Innocence of ClichésVAO goes on tour to Jerusalem and to festivals in Rome, Catania, Paris, Willisau, Lee Mans, Amiens and Angoulëme, with two different programs: "Innocence of Clichés" and "Fe & Males", a staged musical composition in which seven female instrumentalists have encounters with seven male musicians (based on the "Seven Tales of the Seven Princesses" by the Persian pot Nizami. Musicians include Marilyn Mazur, Hélène Labarrière, Ingrid Jensen and Gabriele Rosenberg). For George Tabori "Kreis" the VAO arranges themes from Verdi for "Lovers and Lunatics". After the second tour, the VAO loses its regular membership, which for the past 11 years had hardly changed. A long-standing successful formula seems to be showing signs of wear.FSOD: Divorce
1990 - Chapter IIThe orchestra begins working (again) with younger., unknown musicians, while cor of old members remains. Klaus Dickbauer, Florian Bramböck, Thomas Alkier, Joseph Bowie and Alexandra Naumann join the band. European tour with concerts in Sweden, Norway, Spain, France, Czechoslovakia, Germany and Austria. Lighting effects are added for the first time. The band has fun again and plays "full power". Other tours feature the programs " Fe & Males" (televised in Vienna and Leverkusen) and "lieber in saxophon" with Ernst Jandl.FSOD: Tax law
1991 - N t M zartThe VAO takes a one-year pause as a jazz orchestra. Rüegg is invited by the Swiss to write a program for specially-created Swiss Art Orchestra, in which nearly all major Swiss jazz musicians participate. Production with the BBC of a 30-minute music film titled "N t M zart", which is picked up by 10 European TV channels. In France, a recording session and tour with "Fe & Males"FSOD: The past
1992 - Standing... WHAT?For the first time , Rüegg contracts out all compositions for the new program (to Uli Scherer, Werner Pirchner, Wolfgang Puschnig, Daniel Schnyder, Florian Bramböck). Corin Curschellas, Danilo Terenzi, Matthieu Michel and Claudio Pontiggia join the orchestra. Two European tours (EXPO Sevilla, festivals in Helsinki and Ultrecht, a.o). Commissions by the Donaufestival and the banlieues Bleues (Paris) and Trento result in the production "La Belle et la Bête", an homage to Jean Cocteau.FSOD: Getting up in the morning
1993 - The Original Charts of Duke Ellington & Charles MingusRepeat performances of "La Belle et la Bête". Austria tour and four-day guest appearance at the Israel Festival in Jerusalem. The VAO is expanded for the first time into big band formation and plays th original charts of Duke Eellington and Charles Mingus. Two European tours and a live appearance at the 5 spot, NYC. Festivals include Saalfelden, Willisau, Mulhouse, Hamburg, Pescara. CD produced by the American label Verve. Rü opens "Porgy and Bess", which quickly earns a solid reputation as a jazz club, thanks in part to generous federal support and subsidy by the city of Vienna and Bank of Austria. "Penguin Jazz Guide" ranks "The Minimalism of Erik Satie" among the 10 best jazz recordings out of 10,000 under review. VAO Receives the 1993 European Jazz Award from the Académi française du jazz.FSOD: Why?
1994 - Vienna Art Orchestra Plays for Jean Cocteau"La Belle et la Bête" is presented in Bordeaux, on three evenings in Zürich's Gessnerallee and at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festivals. "The Original Charts" are played at the Bolzano, Ulm and Munich festivals, at the Triennale in Cologne and in the Hague. At the Montreux Festival, the VAO accompanies singers Helen Merill, Gabrielle Goodman & Betty Carter in a Special Event. Rüegg writes "M", a composition for Corin Curschellas and mixed ensemble, based on texts by John Cage (in an adaptation by Karin Kaminker) and premières it during the "Lange Nacht der neuen Klänge" in Vienna's Konzerthaus.FSOD: Self-restraint
1995 - Nine Immortal Nonevergreens for Eric Dolphy"The Original Chrts" are given repeat performances at the Amiens, Coutences, Albi and Vienna festivals in France and at the Vienna Jazz Festival. Hannes Kottek, VAO's lead trumpet player from 1984-91, and trombonist Danilo Terenzi, who joined the band in 1990, both died of cncer... 27 European performancees of "Nine Immortal NonEvergreens for eric dolphy" in october, plus live recording of program by Amadeo/Verve. Trombonist Christian Muthspiel joins the band.FSOD: Death
1996 - Third DreamVAO plays an Ellington program at the Gunther Schuller Festival in the Brucknerhaus at Linz. Summer: On a whirlwind trip to Singapore and Tokyo, the VAO presents a program of Highlights,for which the Polish-American vocalist Urzula Dudziak joins the band for the first time. Studio recordings of the two CDs, Ballads and M. Autumn: The Orchstra plays six different programs - Tango from Obango, From No Time to Rag Time, The Minimalism of Erik Satie, Nightride of a lonely Saxophoneplayer, Chapter II, and Nine Immortal Nonevergreens for Eric Dolphy. The line-up primarily features Viennese musicians, such as Christian and Robert Bachner, Herwig Gradischnig, Reinhard Micko, Frank Schwinn, Ali Gaggl and Cornelia Giehse. Also deserving special mention are the percusionist Ingrid Oberkanins, bassist Robert Riegler, and the young drummer Gregor Hilbe, all of whom will become regular members of the orchestra as of 1997. RCA releases the recording "3rd Dream" made jointly with the NDR Big Band and the Hannover Symphony Orchestra, with the participation of Thomas Alkier, Klaus Dickbauer and Claudio Pontiggia and solos by Herbert Joos and Uli Scherer.FSOD: Cellular telephones
1997 - An echo from EuropeThe VAO has made it to its 20th Anniversary year, for which three tours, compromising 70 concertos in Europe and Canada, have been planned. In addition to various Highlights Programs, the orchestra will present "An Echo from Europ", dedicated to such stylsettings Europeans as Mangelsdorff, Garbarek, Portal, Sclavis and Bates. Publication by the highly-reputed Falter publishing house of a book documenting the 20 years of the VAO. The Vienna-Salzburg InterCity train adopts the name of the orchestra. Performance of the '97 program during a 3-day festival at Vienna's Messepalast and on one evening at the Wiener Jazzszene.
FSOD: Today everything's better than before?