KLAUS IGNATZEK

Candid Recording(s):

Biography:

Klaus Ignatzek, a West German of Polish extraction, was born in the North Sea port of Wilhemshaven in 1954. He studied music for six years at the nearby University of Oldenburg, and continued his musical education with Chuck Marohnic at the Arizona State University in Phoenix. He also came under the tutelage of pianist/composer Herbie Hancock in his master class at the Mozartheum in Salsburg, Austria. Klaus, a professional jazz musician since 1980, is now among Germany's leading jazz performer-composers. He is firmly established as one of the top pianists on the European jazz scene. Besides solo projects, he has been heading up international line-ups for years constantly and studio session under their belts, have included musicians such as Joe Henderson, Bobby Watson, Dave Liebman, Claudio Roditi, Billy Hart.... Ignatzek, the author of more than 100 original compositions which have been recorded, relishes playing music of the past and giving it a modern interpretation. His playing discloses a verve and optimism that augurs well for the future of jazz piano at his home university. Klaus has also gained a considerable reputation for his exciting compositions. He has recorded 30 records as a leader.

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY: "Ignatzek's music is very dramatic, lots of emotional passages with heavy chorded piano and sometimes thunderous effects. His compositions have a European feel with plenty of classical influences, but he can let rip when the music allows." - JAZZ JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL "Ignatzek is first and foremost a jazz man and the work brought forth here shows a cohesion among his musicians that could only be achieved with repeated performance." - RAPPORT - West Coast Review of Books, Art & Entertainment