“He is a magician.” – Rolling Stone
The discovery of renowned German Jazz pianist Uli Lenz’s Arkadia Records CD, “Uli Lenz: Rainmakers Dance”, is a thought provoking and moving event. Rarely will you hear a Jazz album with a combination of such power and grace. From the spellbinding delicacy of A Perfect Couple to the stormy heights of Traumatic Experiences with Bavarian Trapdoors, Uli Lenz unique sound and writing style make him a rising star on the Jazz horizon. His songs, One Year After and Umbrella Indoors, were featured on the soundtrack of the award-winning film “Sideways”, starring Paul Giamatti.
““…capable of dizzying solo flights but is also adept at the use of space… colorful and respected presence.”
– David R. Adler, All Music Guide
Already renowned internationally, Lenz is joined on his U.S. debut by music masters Ira Coleman on bass, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez on drums, with Arkadia label mate alto saxophonist T.K. Blue on several cuts as well. With a formidable command of the keyboard, composition and style, “Uli Lenz: Rainmakers Dance” not only represent the best of Jazz’s past, present and future, but masterfully displays the pianist’s playful sense of time and melody on this impressive album.
“…the precision with which Uli Lenz actually seems to imprint those racy, intense figures into the piano keys is almost unbelievable.”
– Rheinpfalz Magazine
“The breadth of Lenz’s pianistic and compositional skills are astounding. He swings.”
– F. Norman Vickers is Executive Director of the Jazz Society of Pensacola FL
1. Traumatic Experiences with Bavarian Trapdoors 04:37
2. Rainmaker’s Dance 06:01
3. Umbrella Indoors* 04:55
4. 1, 2, 3 Cuckoo! 05:01
5. RIP (Rest In Peace) 06:37
6. Subway to Vanilla City 04:14
7. A Perfect Couple 05:45
8. Brake for the Wild Boar Blues 05:03
9. One Year After* 04:22
10. Orange Coalition 05:07
11. My Foolish Heart (Victor Young, Ned Washington) 06:24
12. Little Ostrich* 04:53
(* featured in the Fox Searchlight film, “Sideways”, starring Paul Giamatti)
Al songs composed by Uli Lenz, except as indicated.
Uli Lenz: Piano
Ira Coleman: Bass
Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez: Drums
T.K. Blue: Alto saxophone on tracks 1, 4, and 8
