Albert Mangelsdorff

Albert Mangelsdorff rates among the top trombone players in the world. He's a versatile player whose collaborations range from Free Jazz outings with fellow German Peter Brotzmann to more Bop-based affairs with the likes of saxophonist Lee Konitz and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. Mangelsdorff's solo recordings are remarkable for their use of multiphonics -- the creation of a buzzing, chord-like sound by playing one note and singing another into the mouthpiece -- and for logical, clear-headed improvisations. He's earned praise from established jazz greats like Joe Henderson and even won a few Downbeat polls, which is fairly rare for a European. Unfortunately his recordings are hard to come by in the U.S. Fans of adventurous jazz trombone playing should take advantage of any opportunity to hear the man at work.