New Swiss Talents – Max Lässer (NST 2/1980)

swissmusic

In the 70ties a talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter emerged on the Swiss music scene.

Max Lässer was born in Zurich on 27 September 1950. After leaving school, he trained for a business career, but at age 22 decided to become a professional musician. This career he began as a performer in the streets of Zurich. He made his first concert performances in 1974 with various folk and rock formations and has since achieved increasing success as a recording artist and composer. His debut LP was released in 1977. In the following year he visited the United States, where he composed music for radio plays and for a 13-part TV series for children. He works chiefly as a freelance musician and producer and feels equally at ease with authentic Swiss folk music, modern folk, rock and jazz.

Musical content

1. Max Lässer: En Maietanz – May Dance
(Traditional Appenzel waltz, arr. M. Lässer)
Max Lässer, guitar
2. Max Lässer: Schottisch da Joh’s Nogler
(Traditional Engadine dance, arr. M. Lässer)
Max Lässer, guitar; Ueli Moser, clarinet
3. Max Lässer: Hanna
(M. Lässer, lyrics by W. Lietha)
Max Lässer, guitar and vocal; Walther Lietha, vocal; Walter Anselmo, bass; Philippe Kienholz, organ; Fernando Vicencio, piccolo
4. Max Lässer: To Martin
(M. Lässer)
Max Lässer, guitar; Walter Keiser, drums; Walter Anselmo, drums
5. Max Lässer: Easy Street
(Music and lyrics by M. Lässer)
Max Lässer, guitar and vocal; Walter Keiser, drums; Peter Frei, bass; Philippe Kienholz, electric piano; Walter Giger, Spanish guitar; Carlo Milan, sandbox
6. Max Lässer: s’Maitli – The Girl
(Music and lyrics by M. Lässer)
Max Lässer, guitar and vocal; Walter Lietha, guitar and vocal; Walter Anselmo, bass. Peter Keiser, bass. Walter Keiser, drums. Bruno Speorri, saxophone; Philippe Kienholz, piano; Corina Curschellas, vocal
7. Max Lässer: Good Night, Little Town
(Music and lyrics by M. Lässer)
Hand in Hand Band: Max Lässer, guitar; Hubi Huber, saxophone; Andreas Vollenweider, harp; Philippe Kienholz, piano; Heinz Krapf, bass; Beat Aschwanden, drums; Hardy Hepp, vocal
Live from a Swiss TV show.

Production information

Musica Helvetica. New Swiss Talents NST 2. Max Lässer (guitarist, vocalist, songwriter). Produced 1980 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

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 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.