The Enchanted Messenger

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tony Oxley's "The Enchanted Messenger," a monumental live album recorded in November 1994 at the prestigious Haus der Kulturen der Welt during the Berlin Jazz Festival. This 19-track masterpiece, released in 1996 under the Soul Note label, showcases the brilliance of the Tony Oxley Celebration Orchestra, a fifteen-piece ensemble led by the renowned English percussionist Tony Oxley. The album features the legendary trumpeter Bill Dixon as a special guest artist, adding an extra layer of depth and virtuosity to the performance.

"The Enchanted Messenger" is a testament to Oxley's innovative approach to free jazz and avant-garde music. The album is structured into 19 interrelated sections, each contributing to a cohesive and dynamic listening experience. The ensemble's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, with a steady layering of voicings that build upon each other to create a dense and intricate musical landscape. The album's duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes ensures that listeners are fully engrossed in the intricate web of sounds and rhythms that Oxley and his orchestra weave together.

The ensemble features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Johannes Bauer, Frank Gratkowski, Stefan Holker, Alexsander Kolkowski, Tony Levin, Marcio Mattos, Phil Minton, Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky, and many more. Each musician brings their unique talents to the table, contributing to the album's rich and complex sound.

"The Enchanted Messenger" is not just an album; it is a live documentation of a groundbreaking performance that pushes the boundaries of free jazz and avant-garde music. The album's intricate compositions and virtuosic performances make it a standout release in the genre, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of Tony Oxley and his ensemble. Whether you are a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Enchanted Messenger" is sure to captivate and inspire.

Tony Oxley, born in Sheffield, England, in 1938, was a pioneering figure in the world of free jazz and improvised music. His career spanned over five decades, during which he established himself as one of the most significant British drummers of the latter half of the 20th century. Oxley's journey began at a young age, teaching himself piano before switching to drums at 17. His move to London in 1966 marked a turning point, as he became the house drummer at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, accompanying jazz greats like Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, and Sonny Rollins.

Oxley's innovative approach to drumming and electronic music set him apart, earning him a reputation as a master of both conventional and avant-garde techniques. He co-founded Incus Records, a platform that supported and promoted free improvisation, and collaborated with numerous jazz legends. His debut album, "The Baptised Traveller," released in 1969, is considered a classic in the avant-garde genre. Oxley's influence extended beyond his performances, inspiring generations of jazz players with his unique style and creative vision. He passed away in Viersen, Germany, in 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate in the world of jazz and improvised music.

The Enchanted Messenger

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