Tommy LiPuma

Tommy LiPuma

We just wanted to thank Tommy LiPuma for playing such a vital part in the soundtrack to our life, bringing us unforgettable albums and songs from Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Patti Austin, David Sanborn, Brenda Russell, Miles Davis, Bob James, George Benson, Michael Franks, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Al Jarreau, Michael Brecker, Randy Crawford, Joao Gilberto,…

Joni Sledge R.I.P.

Joni Sledge R.I.P.

Growing up with “We Are Family”, “He’s The Greatest Dancer”, “Got To Love Somebody”, “Lost In Music” and dancing to those tracks in various clubs around Cologne, the music of Sister Sledge has played an important part in our lives. My favorite track is “Thinking Of You” from their 1979 “We Are Family” LP, produced…

XJAZZ Festival 2017

XJAZZ Festival 2017

It is only the 5th edition but it seems as if it is already a stalwart and long-awaited force in Berlin’s live music scene: this year’s XJAZZ Festival will run from May 3rd to May 7th with 80 concerts spread all around Kreuzberg in clubs, bars, and churches. 14.000 visitors came to last year’s event…

Leon Ware 2/16/40-2/23/17

Leon Ware 2/16/40-2/23/17

As a songwriter and producer, Leon Ware has worked with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Jeffrey Osborne, the Temptations, the Average White Band, Nancy Wilson, the Righteous Brothers, Stanley Turrentine, James Ingram, Ike and Tina Turner, the Miracles, Bobby Womack, and the list goes on. His schoolmates in Detroit were Aretha Franklin, Lamont Dozier…

Larry Coryell R.I.P.

Larry Coryell R.I.P.

Another sad reminder that everything can be over and gone any day now: the great Larry Coryell has passed – I just talked to him four weeks ago in Berlin at the office opening of ACT Music. We chatted about his new “Barefoot Man: Sanpaku” album. He was true Larry: making jokes, flirting with the…

Berlinale Roundup

Berlinale Roundup

The Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale goes to “On Body And Soul” by Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi. Finally, a winner movie that I’ve actually seen during the last 10 days and one which would have been lost in other editions of the festival. But does this really mean that the 67th Berlinale was weaker…