Hans Across the Sea, 1952-1955

Album Description

Hans Koller's 'Hans Across the Sea, 1952-1955' is a captivating compilation that showcases the artist's unique blend of cool jazz, free jazz, and hints of krautrock. Released on 1 June 1952 via Gabriel Music, this 46-minute album is a masterclass in eclectic soundscapes.

From the opening notes of 'Hans Is Hip' to the closing melodies of 'Some Winds', Hans Koller takes listeners on a sonic journey through a diverse range of tracks. Classics like 'I Cover the Waterfront', 'Stompin’ at the Savoy', and 'All the Things You Are' demonstrate Koller's deep understanding of jazz traditions, while original compositions such as 'Up from Munich', 'Beat (Bei Dir War Es Immer so Schön)', and 'Jutta Is Hip' highlight his innovative approach.

With its mix of melancholic ballads like 'Melancholy Baby' and upbeat tunes like 'Porsche (Fine and Dandy)', 'Hans Across the Sea, 1952-1955' is an album that will appeal to fans of jazz and beyond. Hans Koller's ability to balance different styles and moods has resulted in a timeless record that continues to enchant audiences with its richness and depth.

1 jun 1952

1952 Gabriel Music

About Hans Koller

Hans Koller is a renowned jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, born in Landshut, Germany, and based in London since 1991. With a musical lineage—his father was a jazz-loving Lutheran pastor and his mother a music teacher—Koller's journey in music began early. He has since created a substantial body of over 70 original compositions, recorded in sixteen critically acclaimed albums. Koller's work is celebrated for its intelligence and vivacity, often compared to jazz greats like George Russell and Gil Evans. His projects, such as the Charlie Parker-themed "Word from Bird," showcase his ability to blend mind and body in music, making him a standout in the jazz world. Whether leading his own ensembles like Free Sound and International Brass Company or collaborating with fellow musicians, Koller's contributions to jazz are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.