Blues.at (A, Jan.2010) - Werner Simon:
Christian Dozzler & Robin Bank$ - Livin' Life

Concerto 6/2009 (A, Dec.2009) - Dietmar Hoscher:
Christian Dozzler & Robin Bank$ - Livin' Life

Beschwingt, im Boogiegewand, beginnt Christian Dozzlers jüngste CD mit "Cocktail Or Beer", einer Nummer aus der Feder von Robin Bank$. Die Sängerin Robin Bank$ stammt eigentlich aus Kanada, doch zog es sie 1999 nach Dallas, in eben jene texanische Metropole, die Christian Dozzler im Jahr 2000 als Heimstätte erkor. Auch  wenn Bank$ nunmehr Jamaica als Aufenthaltsort gewählt hat, führten die musikalischen Wege die Kanadierin und den Österreicher in Texas immer wieder zusammen und kulminieren nunmehr in vorliegender, gemeinsamer CD. Je sieben der vierzehn Tracks stammen aus der Feder jeweils eines der Protagonisten und offenbaren eine unzweifelhafte, musikalische Seelenverwandtschaft. Verschiedenste Stimmungen prägen die Szenerie, neben dem Piano greift Dozzler auch zur Orgel [sic]  und führt mit dem  von Bank$ verfassten Titeltrack durchaus in Blood-Sweat-And-Tears-artige Gefilde, kongenial unterstützt von Bank$ abgeklärten, stimmungsvollen Vocals. Zum Akkordeon greift der Multiinstrumentalist Dozzler auf dem Duett "No More", einer Art Blues-Chanson, das über gängige Zwölftaktmuster weit hinausreicht. Überdies stellt Dozzler einmal mehr unter Beweis, wie gereift er mittlerweile auch an den Stimmbändern ist. Bereits vor seiner Übersiedlung in die Staaten nicht von schlechten Eltern, schlägt sich hier die seitdem zusätzlich gemachte Erfahrung additiv nieder. Neben den Vocaltracks finden sich naturgemäß auch Piano-Instrumentals, mit "Last Time I Saw Texas" überdies eine Liebeserklärung an den Lone Star State. Dozzler & Bank$, eine Paarung, von welcher wir hoffentlich noch viel hören werden, möglichst auch live!

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.

Imagine having four favorite guitarists and suddenly discovering that all four are on the same CD. That translates “Gold Mine,” especially for fans of contemporary Texas Blues guitarists Anson Funderburgh, Mike Morgan, Jim Suhler, and Hash Brown. Multi-instrumentalist Christian Dozzler, originally from Vienna, Austria, and now living in Dallas/Ft. Worth TX since 2000, recruited the cream of the crop for studio sessions on his sixth CD featuring all original songs.

Dozzler, age 50, is regarded as one of Europe's most versatile and respected blues musicians. He has performed all over the world for over 30 years and appears on some 30 blues CDs. Since age 13, he has been immersed in boogie woogie piano and blues. In his first band, he also played guitar and harmonica besides piano and vocals. Later, he added the accordion in the cajun/zydeco style.

Having won many awards in Europe, Christian moved to the US to further his career. For two years, he toured with Louisiana-based blues man Larry Garner. His fifth CD "All Alone And Blue" in spring 2003, received US airplay and critical acclaim in major international blues publications. It also got Christian on the cover of the “Southwest Blues Magazine.” In early 2008, “The Blues And A Half” was recorded as “a musical retrospective of ... great times in Texas.”

Those times must have truly been “great” with track one as first proof. Mike Morgan (of Mike Morgan & The Crawl) blasts the opening with some Texas Roadhouse slide guitar on “Excuse Me Guys.” Morgan’s creative slide dances notes at the end of each vocal line about calling home to a lover from the touring road. Chris Zalez adds second guitar rhythm, further opening Morgan to slide and slither. Following a perky mid-song slide solo, Dozzler takes an inspired harmonica break. Throughout all tracks, John Garza plays bass, Kevin Schermerhorn drums, and Ron Jones blows both tenor and baritone sax.

Next, co-producer with Dozzler, Anson Funderburgh (of A.F. & The Rockets), takes over on guitar behind Jones’ opening sax. In “Just A Stranger,” Dozzler demonstrates his studied piano prowess. Anson, Jones, and Dozzler do a snappy, well rehearsed, intertwined mid-song solo triplet.

Jim Suhler, who performs as Jim Suhler & Monkeybeat when he is not playing second guitar at George Thorogood concerts, lays down National steel bodied slide guitar tracks in the third number, “Closest Friend.” Dozzler’s piano and solid vocals take the forefront, and Suhler plays the foil to lyrics until his incredible mid-song solo. At just three songs into the CD, it was already worth the price of admission. Suhler’s emotional electric slide is heard on the closer, “Golden Sunday.”

Hash Brown (of Hash Brown & The Browntones) makes his first appearance on “C’mon Joe,” an upbeat shuffle with the whole band popping. Inspired by Dozzler’s tinkling ivories, Brown rapidly vibrates his guitar pick up and down during his solo, taking the rest of the band to the next level. Brown’s work further shines on the slow blues, “The Dog Is Missing You.”

Other highlights: “Three Shades of Blue” is a jazzy instrumental with Dozzler on a B3 organ bottom and Funderburgh, Jones, and Christian trading leads. “If I Could Dance” is a zydeco number demonstrating Louisiana smarts Dozzler has learned. Otis Spann piano influence shines through on another instrumental, “Dooley’s Stroll.”

Dozzler shows he did indeed learn “blues” in Europe and, thankfully, never strays into rock territory. Vocals, lyrics, music - everything about this album is solid, and the incredible line up of Texas blues guitarists makes the album solid gold for fans!

Christian Dozzler is one of those proactive, ambitious, focused and worthy-of-respect musicians/activists that help keep the Blues alive.  One thing I respect him for is that his CDs are also projects that seek to further the careers of others rather than just trying to bring fame and fortune to himself.  Many others either seek to glorify their own name and career especially when it comes to surrounding oneself with Blues Legends.  So many of the people who’d like to be known as altruistic upon closer inspection don’t make-the-grade.  But Dozzler certainly seems to be recording and releasing Blues albums for all the right reasons.  He knows the artists he showcases and offers them and their music the finest possible backing and production in the hopes that every little bit of exposure counts, especially when dealing with artists who’ve never gotten their due after decades of performing.  Dozzler started out as an Austrian pianist who played behind American Blues Legends when they toured Europe and he became quite proficient with his Blues/Boogie piano, releasing several albums in the 1980s/1990s as leader [sic] of Austria’s highly-acclaimed Mojo Blues Band (and later Blues Wave).  However, it wasn’t enough for Christian, a Blues-in-the-blood fanatic who wanted to be as close to the Blues Homeland as possible.  He chose to move to Dallas/Fort Worth in 2002, one of the few areas left in the U.S.A. that had a surviving local Blues scene.  While his last album featured old-time Louisiana/Texas Blues Legends, “The Blues…” features the 2^nd Generation ‘Young turks’ (although they’ve all been playing close to 40 years now!) of the Texas scene like Mike Morgan, Anson Funderburgh, Hash Brown and Jim Suhler.  They’re augmented by Ron Jones (saxes), Kevin Schermerhorn (drums), Chris Zalez (second guitar) and the young John Garza on bass.  With a line-up like this, you could expect heavy, low-down Texas Roadhouse Blues and that’s exactly what you get.

Thank Goodness, “Excuse Me Guys” opens up with some sweet slide guitar and it’s a stomper so I’m going to crank this right up!  Oh yes!  This is exactly what the Doctor ordered to save my Soul (and Mind!) from all the Bullshit out there.  Christian is an excellent singer and a surprisingly good harp blower (he also plays Hammond B-3 organ and accordion!  He’s the kind of musician that’s worth his weight in gold to any Blues band).  “Excuse Me Guys” is a definite Shag Market hit and the next track “Just A Stranger” has a New Orleans second-line beat with excellent ‘Fess piano from Dozzler.  Superb but short.  “Closest Friend” slows things down a bit and Suhler adds some tasty acoustic slide to this 1930s sounding number.  Nice barrelhouse piano from Dozzler that’ll make you realize that this guy is an unheralded Master.  “Keep On Playing The Blues” features plenty of rockin’ B3 and Anson’s fiery playing.  The title tune “The Blues And A Half”, has Christian back on harp and it’s down-in-the-alley time with Mike Morgan adding tough picking that harkens back to Jimmy Rogers and Muddy in the mid-1950s.  Yeah!  This is what I call Howlin’ music.  “Three Shades Of Blue” is a unique one, obviously influenced by all the great B-3 ‘Jazz’ (which we all know was some of the finest Blues of the 1960s!) recorded by people like Jack McDuff, Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff.  Anson does his Kenny Burrell to Dozzler’s Jimmy Smith while Ron Jones blows Blue Turrentine.  A nice toe-tapper and who DOESN’T dig B-3?  “All About The Music” laments lyrically the decline of live music everywhere (the Government is Afraid of Music, Christian!) and Christian can’t figure it out.  For those of us who know the Soul-healing Power and unifying Magic of REAL music we can only hope that musicians don’t start believing that the Public doesn’t want/need music, as we need them now more than ever!  Despite the topic, Christian takes a positive approach and tells the people what they’re missing (on top of a swinging tempo).  Back to Chicago for “You’re My Medicine” and it’s got a groove that a burlesque bump-and-grinder would really dig with its hip rolling encouragement.  Nice guitar from Anson and beautiful rolling Chicago piano from Christian that brings back memories of Otis Spann.  “C’mon Joe” is a Louis Jordan style jumper that jitterbug freaks would fly to.  Dozzler is quite the pianist and by this track, I’m willing to put him in my list of TOP 5 Active Blues Pianists.  Hash Brown’s full-speed twangy Texas guitar solo shows that he’s certainly one of Texas’ best-kept Blues secrets.  “If I Could Dance” is the only foray into Zydeco on this disc and once again, Dozzler proves to be a Master of the big ‘piano’ accordian.  Texas Country Blues gets its shot on “The Dog Is Missing You” with Hash again delivering the goods with some Down Home pickin’ that shows the link between Texas Blues Guitar and older Louisiana Swamp Blues (wouldn’t you love to see a big book of Blues Regional Guitar Stylings by a picker/author who knew his/her stuff?).  “Dooley’s Stroll” is a delightful piano instrumental that anyone/everyone can appreciate for its good-time melody and Dozzler’s solid two-fisted delivery.  The CD closes with a poignant “Golden Sunday” featuring plenty of sinewy slide from Jim Suhler and moody B-3 from Christian.  In summary, “The Blues And A Half” is a totally honest title and then some.  Modern Texas Blues purity with at least half a dozen tracks that are stompin’ Masterpieces and every track boasts superb musicianship that sets the stage for WOW!-evoking solos.  If you want to hear who is Smoking Hot in Texas today this is for you, as 4 of the Top 10 Texas Guitarists deliver the goods.  And then again, it’s also one of the finest Blues piano albums of the last couple of years and I’m also now aware that Ron Jones is perhaps Texas’s top contemporary sax man and Christian Dozzler could also make a living solely on his heavy harmonica blowing.  Lots to enjoy folks and this very enjoyable disc rates 5 bottles of Thunderbird.

A native of Austria now living in Dallas, Mr. Dozzler plays the blues better than most American musicians. Yet, as the title of The Blues and a Half implies, he doesn't stick to one style. He's just as convincing blazing through zydeco, boogie-woogie and New Orleans funk. Mr. Dozzler is a fine singer-keyboardist and songwriter – he wrote all 13 tunes – and he's smart enough not to hog the spotlight. Some of the CD's high points arrive during solos by Dallas guitar aces Anson Funderburgh, Jim Suhler, Mike Morgan and Hash Brown.

Blue Suede News (US, July 2008) - Gaby Maag-Bristol:
Christian Dozzler - CD The Blues And A Half

I needed a mood enhancer and Christian Dozzler's CD does just that. The Austrian multi-instrumentalist moved to Texas in 2002 and gathered  a bunch of great Blues players for his latest project. A hard drivin' "Excuse Me Guys" with blistering slide guitar by Mike Morgan, pounding drums and Christian's own harmonica opens the 13 all original song set in a somewhat modern Blues fashion. "Just A Stranger" is a great groovy piano piece New Orleans style - can't sit still here. The wild haired Dozzler is a great piano player and showcases his accordion skills on the happy Zydeco number "If I Could Dance" - great! "Closest Friend" is a sad, slow Country Blues. The band gets funky on "Keep On Playing The Blues". Soulful harmonica opens the title track, an old-school Jimmy Reed style shuffle. The jazzy "Three Shades Of Blue" with Hammond B3 swings but as instrumentals go, the groovy New Orleans style "Dooley's Stroll" is more my style. I dig the vintage Chicago Blues (think Muddy) "You're My Medicine", the infectious Jump Blues "C'mon Joe" and "All About The Music", a fine Texas shuffle again with Mike Morgan on guitar. Anson Funderburgh dons the guitar on five tracks here and produced together with Christian Dozzler who sounds like a seasoned US breed Bluesman. An album that never bores with fun musical Blues surprises around every corner!

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 Louisiana or Texas 45s. So yes, definitely worth a listen.

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.

HIGHLIGHT OF THIS WEEK'S LOCAL SHOWS: Christian Dozzler at Pearl
Name a Germanic blues musician. Not easy, is it? But North Texas is home to at least one. Christian Dozzler spent his first 42 years in Vienna, Austria (which prompts the question, "did he take classical music lessons?" Yes, starting at age 5). He discovered blues and boogie woogie as a teen and embarked on a career as a pianist and bandleader in Europe. A specialty in zydeco and swamp blues (he plays accordion too) brought him to Baton Rouge, LA., to join guitarist Larry Garner's band in 2000, and he moved here two years later. Saturday's release party for his second solo CD since moving to Dallas, "The Blues and a Half", will feature sit-ins by some of the area's best-known blues guitarists, including Anson Funderburgh, Mike Morgan and the omnipresent Hash Brown.
Mike Daniel, Dallas Morning News

Review about CD release party for The Blues And A Half:
"The Dozzler Party - A tableside take on Christian Dozzler at Pearl"
  -see original article here.
Tim Schuller, Buddy Magazine July '08, Dallas, TX

About THE BLUES AND A HALF:
Some fine quality music here. I especially liked the title track, You're My Medicine and The Dog Is Missing You, but the overall playing was really good, and the songwriting interesting and varied. Fine job and lots to be proud of.
Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records

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).

La Hora Del Blues e-zine (E, 2010):
Christian Dozzler& Robin Bank$ - CD "Livin' Life"

Cualquier aficionado al blues austriaco al que le pregunteis quién es Christian Dozzler seguro que os responderá que, sin duda alguna, es su pianista y cantante favorito de blues y boogie-woogie de toda Austria. Christian lleva muchísimo tiempo en el negocio, además de ser un pianista versátil, con una amplia gama de recursos en lo que al teclado se refiere. Este disco, si no estoy equivocado, el séptimo grabado bajo su propio nombre, se presenta en formato de dúo, de la mano de una cantante, productora y compositora canadiense de enorme talento e impresionante voz llamada Robin Banks. Robin lleva trabajando por los circuitos del blues de Dallas desde hace aproximadamente unos diez años, con un calendario de unas 240 noches trabajadas al año, recorriendo Texas, Arkansas y Mississippi, además de haber grabado tres discos bajo su propio nombre. Banks ha compartido también escenario con guitarristas de la talla de Johnny Moeller, Nick Curran o Kid Ramos por citar unos pocos. Este disco contiene catorce canciones, siete de Christian Dozzler y otras siete de Robin Banks, todas ellas francamente deliciosas, frescas y emotivas. Disfrutad del piano y la voz de dos músicos inspirados y rotundos, que van a dejar honda huella en lo mas profundo de vuestra alma. MUY BUENO.