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Albert Mangelsdorff

Trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff pioneered the art of jazz polyphonics, introducing to the avant-garde the symphonic tradition of playing multiple notes simultaneously. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, on September 5, 1928, Mangelsdorff grew up enthralled by jazz, devouring his older brother Emil's record collection.

His uncle, a professional violinist, gave him music lessons as a teen, but the rise of the Third Reich forced him to keep his passion for jazz in check. Over time Mangelsdorff taught himself guitar, but following World War II he managed to acquire a used trombone in exchange for cigarettes he often played for audiences comprised of the American soldiers who remained stationed overseas, finally performing to crowds who shared his appreciation for jazz. Word of Mangelsdorff's prowess on the trombone soon reached his fellow musicians, and in 1952 he made his recording debut in support of saxophonist Hans Koller.

He also worked in small groups and with the Dance Hesse Radio Orchestra throughout the decade, and in 1958 was selected to serve as the German representative for the Newport Jazz Festival International Band, an opportunity that resulted in collaborations with U.S. giants like Gerry Mulligan and Louis Armstrong.

Upon returning to Germany, Mangelsdorff inaugurated a prolific recording period that included collaborations with sibling Emil, Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis (the 1962 Atlantic LP Animal Dance), and his own quintet featuring his longtime associate, saxophonist Heinz Sauer. As the decade continued, Mangelsdorff moved increasingly into the realm of free jazz, culminating in his first unaccompanied solo performance at the Munich Olympic Games in 1972.

He made solo trombone a heretofore unknown concept in jazz a reality via multiphonics, the physically and technically demanding simultaneous blowing and singing of notes into his horn; the method opened vast new dimensions like harmonies and chords, and over the years Mangelsdorff also incorporated modal improvising and even rock & roll elements into the equation.

In 1980, the American magazine Down Beat named him the world's best trombonist from there, he worked with the NDR Big Band, the Manfred Schoof-led Old Friends, and the United Jazz + Rock Ensemble, and in 2003 celebrated his 75th birthday with an all-star celebration at Frankfurt's Die Alte Oper.

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Read "Heiner Stadler: Brains on Fire" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian


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Read "Albert Mangelsdorff: Originals, Vol. 1 & 2" reviewed by Andrey Henkin


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Read "Triplicity" reviewed by Andrey Henkin


A musical innovator's sound is unmistakable. For example, listen to any thick slap by Mingus and you know it's him. From the opening moments of Triplicity, there is no question that the trombone is Albert Mangelsdorff's. Mangelsdorff, Germany's most famous musician, participated in many performances under the auspices of the NordDeutscher Rundfunk (German Radio) either as part of its big band or at its many workshops, opportunities for European musicians and Americans either traveling or living abroad to ...

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Obituary

German Jazz Trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff Dies at 76

German Jazz Trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff Dies at 76

Source: All About Jazz

Albert Mangelsdorff (born 5. September 1928, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; died: 25. July 2005, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) Trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff, probably the most important jazz musician in post- war Germany, died on the morning of Monday, July 25th, 2005 in his hometown Frankfurt am Main, Germany, after long illness. Albert Mangelsdorff had violin lessons as a child and was self-taught on guitar. His brother, alto saxophonist Emil Mangelsdorff (who is still alive and playing at age 80), introduced him ...

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