German Blues Circle Info 9/03 (D,
2003)
- Klaus Kilian:
Christian
Dozzler – All Alone
And Blue
Christian Dozzler - All Alone And Blue
Aufgenommen wurde diese CD bereits im Jahr 2000 und noch in Wien, auf den Markt gekommen ist sie erst jetzt. Der Titel „all alone and blue“ lässt auf eine traurige und sentimentale CD schließen - doch weit daneben! „all alone“ rührt daher, dass Christian Dozzler auf dieser CD ausschließlich solo-Nummern aufgenommen hat; und zwar eine besser als die andere. Acht Eigenkompositionen wie „Rather Be Lonesome“ - ein Bekenntnis zum Blues-Zölibat - stehen acht Klassikern wie „Low Down Dog“ von Leroy Carr gegenüber. Die Bandbreite reicht vom elegischen Blues bis zum von Lebensfreude strotzenden Boogie Woogie. Die CD „all alone and blue“ sowie die CDs, die Christian Dozzler mit seiner Band „The Blues Wave“ aufgenommen hat, können problemlos über seine Homepage bestellt werden. Dort gibt es auch lesenswerte Informationen über „Mr. Zweimeter Blues“: www.dozzler.com
"All alone and blue" ist
klangtechnisch excellent; es stellt das fünfte Album des Musikers in eigener
Regie
dar, eingespielt noch während seiner Wiener Zeit. Exakt
die Hälfte der Nummern entstammen
Dozzler's eigener Feder; die von ihm verwendeten
Coverversionen sind u.a von Leroy
Carr, Otis Spann und Roosevelt Sykes. Bis auf zwei Nummern, die mit Harp gespielt
sind, begleitet er sich
am Piano und singt. Über eine Stunde arbeitet er sich
inspiriert
durch Blues- und Boogie-Nummern verschiedener Tempi und Stile und
singt mit einer rau markanten Bluesstimme,
die sich durch einen hohen Wiedererkennungswert auszeichnet.
Wer auf gut gespielten
Piano-Boogie/Blues
steht, liegt mit dem aktuellen Album von "Mr. 2 Meter Blues" goldrichtig...
ZITATE, KONZERT-KRITIKEN, ARTIKEL
Concerto Magazin (A, Juni 2008) - Dietmar Hoscher: Artikel "Wien - Dallas" für Originalausschnitt hier klicken
Oberbayerisches Volksblatt
(D, 2003) - Alexander Welte:
Konzertkritik Rosenheim
für
Originalausschnitt hier klicken
Traunsteiner Tagblatt (D, 2004) - Ludwig Flug: Konzertkritik Staudach/Chiemsee
Mit großer Erwartung waren die Gäste zur Blues- & Boogie-Night in den Gasthof Mühlwinkel in Staudach-Egerndach gekommen, denn ein alter Bekannter hatte sich angesagt. Der 45-jährige Wiener Christian Dozzler, der im Mai 2000 den Sprung in die amerikanische Musikszene geschafft hatte, und damit seine 30-jährige, bisherige Musikkarriere gekrönt hat, war wieder einmal von den Organisatoren der Staudacher Musikbühne Alexander Welte und Peter Janotta eingeladen worden und gerne gekommen.
Bis er am Klavier Platz nimmt, ist das Auffälligste an diesem eher introvertiert wirkenden 2m-Mann seine Größe. Das ändert sich dann aber ganz schnell, wenn man mit seiner Musikalität konfrontiert wird. Es ist nicht die Geschwindigkeit der Fingerläufe, die Exaktheit und Präzision seines Spieles, die gibt es andernorts auch. Es ist die komplexe Musik, das Stück, in dem mehrere Musik-Themen übereinander gebaut werden, hier das eine, da das andere Thema aufgriffen wird, um dann wieder sicher, zielstrebig zum Hauptthema zurück zu finden. Es sind komplexe Arrangements, die weit über das einfache Frage- und Antwort-Spiel des Blues hinaus schöne, umfassende Klanggebilde aufbauen. Und das nicht nur in gecoverten Stücken, sondern auch in eigenen Kompositionen.
Was diesen Musiker noch auszeichnet ist,
wie er den Zuhörer fesselt und mitnimmt. Zum Beispiel: Nach einem
konservativen, schweren Bluesstück von Otis Span folgte ein
Boogie. Die Leichtigkeit der Tastenläufe verbreitete im Saal eine
Sommerbrise und die Töne flirrten geradezu wie im Sonnenlicht
durch den Saal. Kaum merklich wie geschickt mit
Tempoverzögerungen, -beschleunigungen und Anschlagvariationen in
Bann gezogen wurde. Und tatsächlich merkte man dem nachfolgenden
Beifall die Leichtigkeit des Publikums und dessen Lachen an.
Die Zuschauer genossen diesen
Auftritt, dessen Musikalität dem Abend den Charakter eines
klassischen Konzertes verlieh.
This
Austrian-born singer/ pianist/
multi-instrumentalist first came to B&R’s
attention back in the mid-eighties through his work with the Mojo Blues
Band;
he joined Larry Garner’s US band in 2000 and settled in Texas a couple
of years
later. His recordings always create a favourable impression and this
CD, his
sixth solo album, is no exception. It has significant contributions
from
guitarists Anson Funderburgh (in top form), Mike Morgan, Jim Suhler,
Hash Brown
and Chris Zalez (well, OK, the last only on rhythm guitar), and the
first two,
at least, have followings among the magazine’s readership. All songs
are
originals, and though there is a touch of Canned Heat about the opener,
many of
the others sound as though they could come from fifties, sixties or
seventies
Southwest Blues
Magazine (US, May 2008) - Big Daddy Hal:
Christian Dozzler - CD The Blues And A Half
Christian Dozzler already had a lucrative blues career for a
quarter of a century before he decided to come to the U.S. to live.
Lured into touring with Louisiana's Larry Garner, his piano playing and
harp added to the already potent Garner show. He toured this way for
two years from 2000 through '02. Larry would later return the favor
when Christian recorded his Louisiana CD and asked Larry to record some
of the guitar for it.
By 2002, Christian decided to settle down in the DFW metroplex area of
Texas. Knowing in advance of their fertile blues scene, he gigged and
got involved in the many jams available. In 2003, his second Blueswave
CD All Alone And Blue CD came out to critical acclaim. Sales were good,
and his prowess was spread by word of mouth. His talent on many
instruments made him popular with other local artists too.
Move ahead to 2008, and Christian Dozzler got that recording bug again.
This time though, he decided it was time to put out a Texas Blues CD.
Calling out to many of his friends and past blues jammers, he wanted to
showcase the experience he gained over half a decade of late night
blues and studio time. This was going to be a collection for the sheer
joy of it.
Recorded over two days in Garland, Texas' Audio Dallas studio,
recording number three on Blueswave is called The Blues And A Half.
Comprised of 13 tracks, he invited the likes of Anson Funderburgh, Mike
Morgan, Jim Suhler, Hash Brown and Chris Zalez to play guitar. This
list reads like a short who's who of DFW's elite. On rhythm section he
has John Garza on bass and Kevin Shermerhorn on drums. The inclusion of
Ron Jones on Saxes rounded out his multi-instrumental play on piano,
accordion, Hammond B3, harp and vocals. Singing with the confidence of
a born performer, his vocals are pleasing and so right on.
After listening to this CD I find it hard to pick out favorites. Listen
to "Just A Stranger" for a tasty piano, sax romp. Guitar as you expect
is excellent throughout. Examples are, "Keep On Playing The Blues”,
“Excuse Me Guys" and "All About The Music". For lowdown blues, just
check out "You're My Medicine" and "The Dog Is Missing You". The title
track "The Blues And A Half" is a harp workout. You get a taste of New
Orleans on "If I Could Dance”, and "Just A Stranger", plus a jazzier
workout on "3 Shades Of Blue". Finally, Christian rocks the 88's on,
"C'mon Joe”, “All About The Music", "Closest Friend" and the lone
instrumental "Dooley's Stroll".
Christian Dozzler has released one of the finest blues CDs of this
year. The Blues And A Half will be in my player for the near future and
should be in yours as well. If you are not from the DFW area, make a
plan to see Christian in your town.
Buddy Magazine (US, May2008) - Tim
Schuller:
Christian Dozzler - CD The Blues And
A Half
Keyboardist/singer Christian Dozzler's 14 [sic]
selections here are mostly blues in unvarnished traditional form - but
nothing's musty. Part of the freshness is his lyrics. They're simple
but strike you as more personal and refective than the codified
sound-snippets of many blues interpreters.
His voice good, his pronounciation, spot on. There's an array of
rhythms, boldfaced by the excellent drummer Kevin Schermerhorn. Too bad
Dozzler's piano isn't more to the fore. His playing on strolling
"Dooley's Strut [sic]" evinces a Little Brother Montgomery influence
(big plus in my book).
Guitarists on deck: Mike Morgan, Jim Suhler, Anson Funderburgh and Hash
Brown. Morgan's sound recorded really well on the three cuts he's on,
witness his punctuative slide pushing kick-off cut "Excuse Me Guys".
Ron Jones blows rockin' sax on "C'mon Joe", infectious and speedy. I
tend to put visuals to music I hear, and Dozzler's Cajun-style
accordion on "I Wish I Could Dance [sic]" makes me see a beer keg
rolling through a bayou. Under it's own power. Going 90 miles an hour.
CDs that put this sort of thing in your mind are worth your while.
Blues
Revue No.85 (US, 2004) - Tom Hyslop:
Christian
Dozzler - CD All Alone And Blue
Christian
Dozzler now makes his home in Dallas, though he recorded All Alone And Blue in his native
Austria. As the title implies, this is entirely a solo-effort: Dozzler
hammers out compelling barroom piano blues such as "Rather Be Lonesome"
and the title track, and slips into a jazzier Mose Allison vein on the
autobiographical "Blues Life". He moves easily from Roosevelt Sykes'
good-timing "Rock It" to Otis Spann's deep "Good Morning Mr. Blues" to
"Honey Creek Boogie", after which the piano must have needed to be
tuned! "I Can't Sleep" shows a more sophisticated side, while "Glory Of
Love" is a triplet-based R&B ballad recorded with a nice room
sound. "Bad Luck" is just voice, harmonica, and time-keeping foot, in
prime Sonny Boy style. Solid interpretations of John Brim's "Be
Careful" and a pair from Leroy Carr flesh out the set. Dozzler's
technique is superior; his singing holds up fine over the course of the
album.
Southwest Blues
Magazine (US, 2003) - Bill Fountain:
Christian Dozzler
- All Alone And Blue
You already read all about Mr. Dozzler here in the wonderful pages of Southwest Blues last month, so I won't rehash the history. Only to say that Christian is new to the Big D area and has been causing a sensation amongst all those who hear him play. He sings, he plays keyboards, harmonica, accordion and he writes his own songs, which is pretty danged impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that he sounds great doing it. Now "Vienna Slim", as the Great Don O calls him, has been playing professionally since the early 80's and has worked with some stellar folks such as Larry Garner and the Mojo Blues Band. I am more than happy to say that this CD lives up to the hype surrounding this blues dynamo. You will definitely find something to crow about on All Alone and Blue. Or as we say back in good old Austria "Wunderbare Scheibe!" Amadeus and I go way back, folks.
Sixteen fantastic tracks. Loads of original compositions. Great vocals and out of this world piano playing. Check out Dozzler knocking it out of the park on the track "Low Down Dog" or the fantastic tune "Be Careful". Dozzler punctuates his style with some tight arrangements and good solid delivery. The piano really gets the spotlight and it really deserves it. Dozzler is a heck of an ivory tickler. Right up there with the big guns. Tons of ability and agility. Check out how he dazzles on a track like "I Can't Sleep".
But I think the real beauty of the CD is in its simplicity. Dozzler does everything. It's very intimate and up close. You really get a sense of one on one. There is a lot of power in that. The production value on this one puts you right there in the room with him.
Folks, do
yourself a big
favor. Seek out Christian Dozzler and support this kind of artist. He's
one in a million!
Blues
Wax Magazine (US, 2003) - Gary Miller:
Christian
Dozzler - CD All
Alone And Blue
Christian Dozzler is a veteran European bluesman who makes his home in Austria. Dozzler is a talented instrumentalist, proficient on the harmonica, piano, accordion and guitar. He spent nine years with the "Mojo Blues Band" before founding the "Blues Wave" in 1993. Christian is considered one of the most versatile musicians in Europe, and has recorded with Magic Slim and Champion Jack Dupree. Louisiana is the Blues Waves' 4th recording, and as the title suggests, it is an homage to the music of the Bayou state featuring many guest musicians whose music is synonymous with Louisiana blues. The leadoff number on the recording, "Louisiana," features some impressive vocals from Dozzler over a funky second line rhythm. Despite being from Austria, Dozzler sings in a voice completely unaffected by any trace of foreign accent and exhibits a very pleasing tone. "Its Too Late" is a zydeco number which gives Dozzler ample opportunity to showcase his skills on the accordion. Several veterans of the Louisiana music scene lend their talents to the project giving it an authentic Louisiana feel. First up is pianist Henry Gray, a native of Baton Rouge who has played with Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter and spent 12 years as a member of Howlin' Wolf's band. Gray's Chicago influenced style is exhibited on the self-penned "I Ain't Going for That" and "They Raided The Joint." Louisiana-born Ashton Savoy, now residing in Houston, contributes the Lightnin' Hopkins tune "Short Haired Woman" and the up-tempo Texas shuffle "Came Home This Morning." Johnnie Allan contributes a great song in "Wanting To Get Over You," a number in the swamp pop tradition of "Mathilda" and "This Could Go On Forever" that is perhaps the highlight of the album. Larry Garner also makes an appearance on the record showing why he is considered one of the leading lights of the contemporary blues scene. Sadly, this album marks one of the last recording appearances of the "Swamp Boogie Queen" Katie Webster, who died shortly after recording her parts for this album. Although Christian Dozzler was raised in a land located far from the Louisiana bayou, he has done a very fine job in crafting a recording that accurately reflects the rich musical history that is known as Louisiana blues. Dozzler should also be credited for sharing the spotlight with several richly deserving artists responsible for the development of the Louisiana blues sound. Recommended.
Mr Dozzler's piano work, well, frankly I DO NOT think that there is a
man (or woman) outside of the legendary Jay McShann, that could
have played the style of backup piano that would have fit the low key
approach the blues were given last nite, better than what Christian
did. I even told him so, and meant every word of it. He is a monster
keyboard player (among so many other things).
Chuck Nevitt, Dallas Blues Society Records
The usual small crowd at Club Stratos last night was once again treated
to the piano and harp skills of Christian Dozzler. Those of you who
know me, know that I'm not one who is easily impressed but you won't
find a better keyboard anywhere around here, and just about anywhere
else either for that matter. You've all heard the cliche about taking
it to another level. Well, Christian's playing IS on another level. And
anyone who has not heard Christian play live is depriving themselves of
a real treat. You can hear all the old masters in his playing, Otis
Spann, Memphis Slim, Piano Red, et al. I'm sure that Robin and
Hash and Holland and any
other musicians who have played with Christian will totally agree with
me. I've had the pleasure of jamming with him a couple times and it
make ya feel good to be on the same stage with that kind of talent. So,
do yourself a favor and go see him whenever you
can. You will thank yourself for it.
Mark Pieczynski, KNON-Radio, Dallas
Christian Dozzler, who is from Austria, has
performed with just about every Bluesman that has ever stepped foot on
the
European Continent. The people he has performed with is a real "who`s
who" of the Blues list. Once you see him play,
it is easy to see why so many of the greats wanted him as a band
member. He`s
excellent on the piano, and can sing the Blues as well.
The Blewzzman Pete
Miami, FL
Connu, respecte
et regrette des amateurs europeens de blues lorsqu’il oeuvrait au sein
du Mojo
Blues Band, l’Autrichien chanteur-multi-instrumentaliste (piano,
harmonica,
accordeon, guitare), apres quelques avatars louisianais et derriere
Larry
Garner, s’est exile a Dallas ou, a mon avis, ses talents, surtout au
clavier,
vont se faire reconnaître (il se retrouve deja sur le nouveau CD,
live, de
Robin banks, une chanteuse canadienne, exilee comme lui).