The Free Jazz Collective: Summer Memories: Gunter 'Baby' Sommer's Sister and Brotherhood and Jazzwerkstatt Peitz

My apologies! These have been sitting in my 'to-post' pile too long now. So, as the clocks start falling back for winter, here's a little remembrance of the summer, first with a review of Gunter 'Baby' Sommer's contribution to the "Free Jazz Big Band" niche, and a photo exhibit from the Jazzwerksatt Peitz Festival.

Gunter 'Baby' Sommer's Sister and Brotherhood @ Jazz am Kaisersteg. July 22, Berlin

Gunter "Baby" Sommer. Photo by G. v. Schroeder

By Paul Acquaro

Günter 'Baby' Sommer’s big-band project brings together a stellar ensemble in what can only be described as a who's who of the Berlin music scene, paying tribute to Chris McGregor’s legendary 'Brotherhood of Breath.' With unfettered joy, the ensemble captures the spirit of the beloved musician through Sommer’s compositions, original works from the 1970s, and pieces by other ensemble members.

The musical arrangements are centered around Sommer’s multi-directional rhythms. Sitting stage left, the 80-year-young percussionist anchors the group with his dynamic drumming. The band fills the stage with a diverse, vibrant presence, while Scottish saxophonist Raymond MacDonald not only plays but occasionally takes on the role of conductor and arranger.

Standout solos by woodwind player Gebhard Ullman and saxophonist Anna Kaluza captured the audience, but in a crowd of seasoned musicians like Frank Gratkowski, Silke Eberhart, Matthias Schubert, and trombonists Anke Lucks, Marleen Dahms, and Gerhard Gschlößl, alongside trumpeters Nikolaus Neuser and Martin Klingeberg, each brought their unique flair. The rhythm section, featuring bassist Antonio Borghini and Sommer’s long-time collaborator from the classic GDR (East German) Free Jazz band Synopisis (later Zentrallquartett), added depth, dynamism, and a bit of history to the ensemble.

The setting was equally captivating. Nestled in a small green pocket along the Spree river, in the heart of a former industrial area - once one of Europe’s largest - Jazzkeller69's 'Jazz at the Kaisersteg' offers a powerful connection between the audience and the music, bringing jazz from the clubs into the open park. Here, newcomers might stumble upon free jazz, feel inspired, and come back wanting more. Experiencing Sommer’s Free Jazz Big Band is like taking a bite-size crash course in Free Jazz history, while enjoying a showcase of some of the city's best established and emerging musicians.

Jazzwerkstatt 61. August 2024, Peitz, Germany

I wrote the snippet below about the Jazzwerkstatt Peitz Festival on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 2023:

Affectionately called Woodstock am Karpfenteich, the nickname of the Peitz festival captures the spirit of the time. In the GDR, it was a moment for the younger generation to get together and express themselves in a closely watched political system. Going back to the programs from the festival's start from 1973 until 1982, when it was shut down by the authorities, is pretty mouthwatering. Names like Peter Brötzmann, Johannes Bauer, Conny Bauer, Leo Smith, Peter Kowald, Günter “Baby” Sommer, Harry Beckett, Harry Miller, Louis Moholo, John Surman, Barre Phillips, Barry Guy, and so many more, ring a Pavolvian bell for the the free jazz fan. Fortunately, much of the music was recorded and has been - and still is being - released by Uli Blobel on his Jazzwerkstatt label. Starting in 2011, the festival started up again in Peitz, with a just as rich line ups - if not more so - of musicians.

This year, founder and long time curator Uli Blobel handed the reins over to his daughter Marie Blobel, who organized the festival's 2024 edition. On hand was frequent Free Jazz Collective collaborator Cristina Marx who valiantly photographed the entire three day festival often in the blazing sun. Here is some of what she captured: