United Jazz + Rock Ensemble
| Company type | Collective |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Defunct | 2002 |
Area served | Germany |
| Products | Jazz fusion music, albums |
| Website | www |
The United Jazz + Rock Ensemble (commonly abbreviated as "United" or "UJRE") was initially formed by a collective of jazz artists for a television production by Süddeutscher Rundfunk (South German Broadcasting) during 1974–1975. Almost all musicians who later became part of the ensemble participated in this original formation.
This group specialized in creating original pieces that fused elements of jazz and rock, occasionally incorporating ethnic sounds inspired by Charlie Mariano's expertise in Indian musical traditions. Often referred to as the 'Band of Band Leaders,' the ensemble consisted of prominent musicians who led their own projects and frequently held academic roles at various music institutions.
Over a span of 27 years, UJRE produced nine studio and live albums alongside multiple compilation records, all released through Mood Records.
In 2002, the ensemble ended their journey with the "Farewell Tour 2002," a decision influenced in part by Barbara Thompson's struggle with Parkinson's disease.
The lineup for their final tour in 2002 included Wolfgang Dauner on piano, Barbara Thompson on saxophone, Jon Hiseman on drums, Dave King handling bass duties, Ian Carr on trumpet, Volker Kriegel playing guitar, Rüdiger Baldauf on trumpet, Ack van Rooyen performing on trumpet and flugelhorn, Albert Mangelsdorff on trombone, and Christof Lauer on saxophone.
Past members featured notable artists such as Eberhard Weber (bass), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet), Johannes Faber (trumpet), Charlie Mariano (saxophone and ethnic instruments), Thorsten Benkenstein (trumpet), and Peter O'Mara (guitar).
Albums
- Live im Schützenhaus (1977)
- Teamwork (1978)
- The Break Even Point (1979)
- Live in Berlin (1981)
- United Live - Opus Sechs (1984)
- Round Seven (1987)
- Na endlich! - Live in Concert (1992)
- Live - Die Neunte von United (1996)
- X (1999)
Compilations
- Zwischenbilanz - Das Beste aus den Jahren 1977-1981 (1982)
- Highlights (1987)
- Highlights II (1994)
External links
- http://www.ujre.net
- Allmusic profile