The Swiss Jazz Scene – The Early Years (MH 11/1972)

swissmusic

"Amateurs" have been the backbone of Swiss jazz since its beginnings in the 20ies. From among them a number of individual musicians have risen to international fame.

One of the chief characteristics of the Swiss jazz scene is the predominantly non-professional status of the majority of its performers who are grouped in countless bands and clubs all over the country. These “amateurs” have been the backbone of Swiss jazz since its beginnings in the 20ies. From among them a number of individual musicians have risen to international fame.

From World War II, jazz was banned in Nazi-occupied Europe, but it continued to thrive in neutral Switzerland. For countless young Swiss this music became almost synonymous with individual freedom of expression. The Swiss jazz scene is rich and manifold and has consequently produced a proportionally high number of outstanding musicians, especially drummers. Many of whom are active abroad.
This programme is a tribute to some of the greatest names in early Swiss jazz.

Musical content

1. New Orleans Wildcats: Old Stack O’Lee Blues
(S. Bechet)
2. New Hot Players: I’ve Found A New Baby
(J. Palmer / S. Williams)
3. Teddy Stauffer And The Original Teddies: Möni Stomp
(B. Bertinat)
4. Willy Lewis And His Negro Band: What’ll I Do?
(I. Berlin)
5. Fred Böhler And His Orchestra: Black Can Call
(H. Osterwald)
6. Fred Böhler Big Band: Piano Man
(Earl Hines)
7. Hazy Osterwald Ochestra: I Can’t Get Started
(V. Duke / I. Gershwin)
8. Flavio Ambrosetti Sextett: Don’t Mension It
(F. Ambrosetti)
9. Ernst Höllerhagen Quintet: ‘s Wonderful
(G. & I. Gershwin)
10. Eddie Brunner And The Original Teddies: Mr Basie Goes To Washington
(Count Basie)

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 11. The Swiss Jazz Scene. The Early Years. Produced 1972 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen and Nicolas Lombard.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1972 to 1998. These recordings are not available.