Adi Becker | Babbelou

Written by | New Releases Page

“… my music is written for audiences and musicians alike. I like deep and intuitive grooves, melodies you can whistle along to, and arrangements that surprise and challenge musicians’ creativity and skills.” – Adi Becker

Babbelou is the perfect proof that he knows how to transform these words directly into notes. He confidently and gracefully allows them to be heard, together with the Grand Central Orchestra Cologne, which he founded alongside saxophonist Torsten Thomas in 2007.

In addition to seven original compositions by Becker, and one by Thomas, there are three Becker-refined pop versions on the album: We’ve Only Just Begun, The Look Of Love, and Purple Rain. There’s no need to point out that each of these pieces shines individually, or that they all have their own mood and timbre. But Becker’s unique signature, his characteristic musical style, adds a special flow to the pieces collectively – it’s a drive that carries and distinguishes the entire album.

 

Besides the rousing playing of the Grand Central Orchestra (who, incidentally, can be seen once a month live in “Klub Berlin” in Cologne Ehrenfeld!), there is a fantastic mix of young musicians, some of whom are still studying at the University of Music, as well as old hands like Uli Launhardt, who has played with Edelhagen and Bert Kämpfert. On top of all this, the three renowned soloists – Jemma Endersby (voc), George Whitty (synth) and Eric Marienthal (sax) – lavishly sprinkle their musical gold across the album, allowing its musical lustre to sparkle even more.

Adi Becker has been deeply involved in the German and international scenes for many years – as a soloist, conductor, arranger and composer. His concert tours have taken him around the world, with colleagues such as Albert Mangelsdorff, Michael Brecker, Kenny Wheeler, Buddy de Franco, Jeff Lorber, George Whitty, Eric Marienthal, Bob Mintzer, Bill Watrous, Bobby Shew, Dave Liebman and Hiram Bullock to name just a few. In addition to his work in the rhelm of jazz, Adi also has worked with many mainstream pop artists including Adel Tawil, Albert Hammond, James Blunt, Pe Werner, Gregor Meyle, Heino and many more.

Adi’s new album Babbelou will be available on Mons Records on the 4th of April 2019.

Release Date: April 4, 2019
Format: CD | Digital
Label: Mons Records

Last modified: March 6, 2019