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Jazz Pieces by Bernd Klein

Describing jazz as "the perfection of the imperfect" offers a unique perspective on this musical genre, a sentiment not articulated until now. This phrase encapsulates the essence of jazz, highlighting its focus on improvisation, spontaneity, and the embrace of elements that might be viewed as unconventional or "imperfect" in comparison to other musical genres. Jazz celebrates individual expression and creativity, providing musicians with the freedom to explore and refine their art within a dynamic and continually evolving musical framework. This stands in contrast to the expectations of "serious" or classical music, where every note is meticulously predetermined. In classical music, melodies, harmonies, tempo, and dynamics adhere to a strict mathematical correctness to achieve perceived perfection. Yet, every jazz musician also tries to achieve perfection within the context of jazz's unique qualities. While jazz values improvisation and embraces the spontaneous, the pursuit of excellence in technique, expression, and collaboration remains a central goal for jazz musicians. This dual emphasis on spontaneity and mastery contributes to the dynamic and expressive nature of jazz. Bernd Klein-Videos.

"Mirajazz Dunesong":
is a captivating musical composition by Bernd Klein, seamlessly incorporating the haunting sound of desert dunes. Bernd Klein, performing on cajon, bass guitar, keyboard, flute, and tenor saxophone, delivers a rich ensemble of instruments. Cinematography by Marco Foglia captures the Namid Desert from an aerial perspective, revealing its rugged beauty. The dunes' shifting sounds, ranging from soft and subtle to loud and intense during sandstorms or high winds, add an awe-inspiring dimension. "Mirajazz Dunesone" transports listeners to a realm of enchantment and mystery, evoking ancient caravans and hidden oases. Visuals alternate between the vast desert landscape and close-ups of Klein playing his instruments, blending natural beauty with musical energy.
"And Here I Am":
showcases Bernd Klein on keyboards, tenor saxophone, and guitar in a mysterious jazz piece pulsating with strength. The commanding tenor saxophone blends seamlessly with intricate drum rhythms, while the guitar adds a distinctive flair. Luxurious e-piano melodies and mystic trumpet fanfares evoke imperial tension. In the accompanying video, scenes from Munich's Hellabrunn Zoo mirror the grandeur of the music. Real animals are transformed into mythical creatures like a lion with Two Heads, embodying duality, and Snake Elephants, symbolizing primal forces of nature. Their presence evokes awe and primal fear.
Beyond Closure:
In Bernd Klein's latest musical creation, "Beyond Closure," an impressive rhythm intertwines with a melodious bass line. The composition features brief, emphasized chords that establish a dynamic foundation, while the tenor saxophones add enchanting melodies, elevating the overall piece.
Colors of Copper:
A Jazz composition featuring Cajon, keyboard, alto, and tenor saxophones by Bernd Klein
"On December 30th, right before the year's end, I was delighted to receive a new tenor saxophone, which sparked the inspiration for this piece—a tribute to my latest musical acquisition. Alongside my beloved alto saxophone, I delved into creative experimentation with the cajon, employing brushes to impart a more captivating sound. The music took shape through my BOSS Looper RC-600, allowing me to play each instrument sequentially. Subsequently, I combined and refined the elements using the 'Audacity' program." (Bernd Klein)
Bernd Klein's '39.5 Degrees':
composition, featuring bass guitar, drum set, piano, tenor, and alto saxophone, navigates between C and C# in C major, creating dissonance. Despite discordant chords, the piano and bass guitar craft a melodic structure with hints of oriental influence. The jazz melody incorporates chromatic elements, and the term "degrees" in the title may reference direction or temperature, suggesting Celsius for hot weather or Fahrenheit for cold. Like a desert's extremes, the composition, in a syncopated four-four time signature, has a fluid bass line and energetic saxophones adding color to the strict structure.
Caravan to Love, Peace and Harmony is a music video crafted as a loop with drums, e-piano, and keyboard strings, aiming to create a sonic backdrop for my saxophone improvisations. Surprisingly, the music, originally intended as a looping background, stands independently without additional instruments. This piece not only holds its own but also serves as the basis for the composition "Love, Peace, and Harmony." Interestingly, apart from the harmonies, nothing from the original loop remains in the final composition.
Echoes of Unknown Questions: Played by Bernd Klein on a Yamaha grand piano.
"Design for Dreaming": Bernd Klein composed a Jazz piece tailored for Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Electric Bass, Piano, and Drumset. The music features a commanding bass line and melodic saxophone interplay, offering a modern sound that intriguingly contrasts with the 1956 film it accompanies. The video includes segments from a 1950s General Motors advertisement, focusing on the dreaming woman and vintage automobiles, excluding the kitchen scene. As for the film: This 1950s "Populuxe" General Motors advertisement, spotlighting the 1956 Motors Motorama event, revolves around a woman envisioning a flawless future with futuristic cars and a fully automated "Kitchen of the Future." Dancer Tad Tadlock portrays the central character. Evolving into an emblematic representation of 1950s consumerist culture, it gained attention in various media, including the BBC documentary series "Pandora's Box," "Mystery Science Theater 3000," and music videos for Peter Gabriel and Rush. Notably, excerpts were also featured in movies like "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The Game."
Winding Paths Composition for piano, saxophone, oboe, and drums.
The saxophone melodies evolve into a poignant and expressive duet, supported by a piano and complemented by the rhythmic pulse of the drums. The image captures the scene in Singen Hohentwiel by the river Aach.

You can also listen to my (Bernd Klein) music on all the streaming services like

So, let me introduce my favorite musicians.

Beginning of the " Evil prince aria" by Frank Zappa

The 'torchum' never stops, Evil prince aria, 5:31 till 5:51. Transcr. KS.,
taken from FRANK ZAPPA'S MUSICAL LANGUAGE

Frank Zappa (1940-1993) is an exceptional musician, who can't be categorized in an easy way. His works, which comprise pop, rock, jazz and what is sometimes referred to as "serious music", are proving his outstanding creativity. The Times wrote about Frank Zappa in their obituary on the 7th of December 1993: "An obstreperous and delightfully barking mad spirit, Frank Zappa was one of rock music's innovatory forces. But, though a talented musician, his penchant for bizarre humour and his gift of waspish satire were a combined insurance policy against his taking either himself or the rock ethos too seriously"

Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.

Igor Stravinsky (1882 - 1971)

Igor Stravisnky is a composer who showed extreme vitality and versatility in his works. Glass said that Stravinsky is the most influential composer of the 20th century and a "theater composer par excellence."

First bars of Stravinskys Piano Rag

Now I want to introduce my favorite jazz musician: Miles Davis
He was one of those musicians who stayed young with their musical ideas and concepts. He never got stuck into a fixed style: His works show a continuous development. His Human Nature is a marvelous example of the innovative style of his last years. If you listen carefully to this recording, you might even hear me clap my hands, as I was attending this great open air concert of Miles Davis. It was the hightlight of the Hohentwiel festival in Singen in 1990.

Musicians missing here: Philip Glass, Tori Amos, Nils Petter Molvaer, Eric Satie and many others :-)

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Written by Bernd Klein; Last Modified: April 28, 2024