Heinz Sauer: A Stalwart of German Jazz
Early Life and Beginnings in Music
Heinz Sauer was born on December 25, 1932, in Merseburg, Germany. From a young age, Sauer showed a keen interest in music. He was an autodidact on the tenor saxophone, teaching himself to play this complex instrument. His career began in the 1950s, playing locally around Frankfurt.
Career Highlights and Collaborations
Sauer’s talent and passion for jazz led him to become a prominent figure in the German jazz scene. He played for many years in Albert Mangelsdorff’s ensemble, a group that significantly influenced the development of jazz in Germany. He was also a part of the Jazzensemble des Hessischen Rundfunks and the German All Stars.
Experimentation and Innovation
In the 1990s, Sauer began experimenting with the use of electronic processing on his saxophones. This innovative approach added a new dimension to his music, demonstrating his willingness to push the boundaries of jazz and explore new sonic landscapes.
Collaborations in the 2000s
In the 2000s, Sauer continued to collaborate with other artists, further enriching his musical repertoire. He performed in a trio with Christopher Dell (vibraphones) and Bertram Ritter (percussion), and also formed a duo with Michael Wollny.
Awards and Recognition
Sauer’s contributions to jazz have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He received the “Deutscher Jazzpreis” in 1999, the “SWR-Jazzpreis” in 2008, and has been awarded the “Deutscher Schallplattenpreis” (German Record Critics’ Award) multiple times.
Discography
Sauer’s discography is extensive, reflecting his prolific career in jazz. Some of his notable albums include “Ellingtonia Revisited!” (1980), “Blues After Sunrise” (1983), “Melancholia” (2005), “Certain Beauty” (2006), “The Journey” (2008), “If (Blue) Then (Blue)” (2010), “Plaza Lost and Found” (2012), “Don’t Explain” (2012), “Hamburg Episode” (2015), and “Europaischer Jazz 2016” (2016).
Legacy
Heinz Sauer’s impact on German jazz is undeniable.
- Heinz Sauer Quartet – “Isolation Row”: This avant-garde jazz album from 1978 showcases Sauer’s innovative approach to jazz and his ability to create a unique sound with his quartet.
- Heinz Sauer & Bob Degen – “Ellingtonia Revisited!”: Released in 1980, this post-bop album is a tribute to the great Duke Ellington, featuring Sauer’s interpretations of Ellington’s compositions.
- Heinz Sauer & Bob Degen with Carey Bell – “Blues After Sunrise”: This 1983 hard bop album blends jazz with elements of blues, showcasing Sauer’s versatility as a musician.
- Heinz Sauer Quartet – “Metal Blossoms”: An avant-garde jazz album from 1984, “Metal Blossoms” demonstrates Sauer’s experimental approach to jazz.
- Heinz Sauer 4tet – “Exchange 2”: This 1998 avant-garde jazz album features Sauer’s innovative compositions and his unique saxophone playing.
- Heinz Sauer & Michael Wollny – “Melancholia”: Released in 2005, this post-bop album showcases the synergy between Sauer and pianist Michael Wollny.
- Heinz Sauer & Michael Wollny – “Certain Beauty”: This 2006 post-bop album continues the successful collaboration between Sauer and Wollny, featuring a mix of original compositions and jazz standards.
- Heinz Sauer – “The Journey”: This 2008 post-bop album features Sauer’s unique saxophone playing and his innovative approach to jazz composition.
- Heinz Sauer & Michael Wollny & Joachim Kühn – “If (Blue) Then (Blue)”: This 2010 post-bop album features a trio of Sauer, Wollny, and pianist Joachim Kühn, showcasing their collective musical prowess.
- Heinz Sauer & Bob Degen – “Plaza Lost And Found”: This 2012 post-bop album is a testament to Sauer’s long and fruitful career in jazz, featuring his unique saxophone playing and innovative compositions.
