Kurt Edelhagen was a renowned German bandleader and one of the leading figures in European big band jazz post-World War II. Born on June 5, 1920, in Herne, Germany, Edelhagen developed a passion for jazz at an early age, and this passion would become the driving force behind his career. He studied piano, composition, and conducting at music colleges in Essen and in Cologne, but it was his love for jazz that defined his chosen path.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Edelhagen formed and led one of the most successful big bands in West Germany, with his ensemble becoming a platform for American jazz influences within the European music scene. His band was known for its disciplined sound and ability to play a wide range of music, from swing standards to complex contemporary jazz pieces. Edelhagen showcased his versatility through a number of remarkable recordings, including "Evergreens," "Big Band Fascination '72," and "Concerto." Each album presented a different facet of his skill, whether it was through lively interpretations of popular songs, as heard in "Come On And Dance," or melodic journeys like those in "Road to Romance." Internationally, he gained recognition through projects like "Holiday in Brazil" and "Ballroom in London," which captured the essence of these locales through his big band arrangements. Kurt Edelhagen's contributions to jazz remain influential, and his recordings continue to be celebrated for their energy, precision, and the elegant way they bridged the worlds of popular music and jazz.

Genres

Ballroom

Easy Listening

German Jazz

Related Artists

Count Basie

Duke Ellington

Ray Conniff

Glenn Miller

Ella Fitzgerald

Benny Goodman

Terence Blanchard

Tommy Dorsey

Harry James

Artie Shaw

Arturo Sandoval

Buddy Rich

Latest Release

Evergreens

Kurt Edelhagen

Album - 44 Tracks - Released November 20, 2007