European Jazz Sounds by Michael Naura Quintet, released on Brunswick in 1963. One of the greatest albums of European jazz from the early 60s -- a tremendous effort from pianist Michael Naura, working here with lots of vibes and a fair bit of grooves -- in a style that sounds a lot like some of the best early recordings made by the team of Roy Ayers and Jack Wilson! The groove here is definitely modern, but also plenty darn soulful too -- and thanks to some alto sax in the mix, the tracks have a cutting quality that really gives them an edge -- a kind of rasp that predates some of the late 60s soulfulness of the Saba/MPS scene, of which this album is a definite precursor! Alongside Naura's piano, the group also features vibes by Wolfgang Schluter, alto sax by Peter Reinke, bass by Wolfgang Luschert, and drums by the great Joe Nay - Dusty Groove https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3qGJ7z-Ii4&list=RDt3qGJ7z-Ii4&start_radio=1 #HardBop #ModalJazz #Jazz #MichaelNaura #Music #Vibraphone