The Swiss Jazz Scene – “Parameter” by George Gruntz (MH 12/1972)

swissmusic

George Gruntz, Switzerland's most prominent jazz musician of his generation was born in Basel in 1932. After having won three times a first prize at the annual Swiss Jazz Amateur Festivals in Zurich, he decided to become a professional in 1962.

As a pianist, he accompanied countless famous American stars on their visits to Europe. Later on, with his own groups, he appeared at every major jazz festival in Europe and in the United States.
George Gruntz is also a skilled composer, equally at home in the fields of classical music and jazz. He has made interesting experiments, combining jazz with different other forms of expression, such as contemporary music, Swiss folklore, and even folk music of Bedouin tribes of Tunisia.

In mathematics, a parameter is “a quantity or constant whose value varies with the circumstances of its application.” This concept is also considered valid in music with regard to the different qualities of tones and sounds. “Parameter”, by internationally acclaimed Swiss pianist George Gruntz, is an attempt to stimulate greater awareness of this fact among jazz musicians.

Musical content

George Gruntz: “Parameter”
(Gruntz)
Recorded in 1970

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 12. The Swiss Jazz Scene. “Parameter” by George Gruntz. Produced 1972 by Lance Tschannen for SBC / SRI.

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.