Early work by
Gunter Hampel and one of his greatest records! – Music From Europe has a sound that's free and propulsive, but not nearly as indulgent as on later albums. Recorded in 1966 in Holland, it tows the line incredibly well between abrasive soundscapes and a more controlled energy. Alternatingly tight bursts of alto & sorprano sax, clarinet and bass clarinet give it some real muscle and more easygoing moments. The group's a quartet – with Willem Breuker on saxes, Pierre Courbois on percussion, and Piet Veening on bass.
Hampel plays vibes, flute, and bass clarinet – and titles include the 21+ minute suite "Assemblage", "Heriocredolphysiognomystery" (dedicated to Eric Dolphy) and "Make Love Not War To Everybody".
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