Christian Eckert: Double You

In November ´99 Christian Eckert was named one of the ten most talented young guitarists on the international jazz-scene by the magazine " Jazz thing ", along with colleagues such as Mark Whitfield, Kurt Rosenwinkel or Peter Bernstein. In Nov. ´00 his 3rd CD was released by A-Records, which is called "Double You". Without leaving the band's acoustic base he has changed its musical concept by adding the sounds of the Hammond Organ and the Fender Rhodes. And without the intention of wearing out any kind of 'retro-wave', I brought in some African grooves and funky Go-Go beats, giving the music a new and fresh colour. Christian Eckert is one of the increasingly rare breed of composers who can tell coherent stories. His supply of pithy ideas, melodies and investigations seem sheer endless. That he wanted to forge a bridge to the great Blue Note label era is clear from the first tone: warm sounds, clear linear guidance and a quartet of outstanding musicians.