Reviews

German Blues Circle Info 9/03 (D, 2003) - Klaus Kilian:
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...

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.

Blues Revue (US, June 2008) - Tom Hyslop:
Christian Dozzler - CD The Blues And A Half

It's hard to find fault with the work of Christian Dozzler, a Dallas-by-way-of
Austria veteran whose skills include harmonica as well as keyboard instruments
(piano, B-3, accordion), and whose singing is refreshingly unmannered. "The
Blues and a Half" (Blueswave Records) includes a Fats Domino-styled Crescent
City romp, prewar piano blues, Texas shuffles, zydeco, organ jazz, Albert
Collins-inflected funk, and lots of lowdown Chicago blues. The cast of
contributing guitarists reads like a Texas blues A-list: Jim Suhler, Mike
Morgan, Hash Brown and Anson Funderburgh, all in prime form. All the elements
come together in this minor masterpiece of songcraft and arrangements.

Blues & Rhythm (UK, June 2008) - Norman Darwen:
Christian Dozzler - CD The Blues And A Half

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

I first met Christian Dozzler at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in Larry Garner's band. He is a great ivory‑tickler and one of the best around at playing piano music with bands. He also surprised me when we met in Helena, Arkansas, during the King Biscuit Blues Festival, 2003. Hunkered over a few "Jack and waters," Christian told me the story of his attachment to the Blues from his perspective as a leading Blues player in Vienna, Austria. It didn't seem to make sense to me; I thought Blues was about America. He taught me something else.

I remember Mick Jagger telling the story about his old man bringing back the Blues from America; Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters were the thing. Christian Dozzler is not far from that recognition of the Blues from America. The main thing is that he learned the piano from the basic Blues that came from this country to his own in southeast Europe. Then, he brought it back to this country. Austin, Texas is the place Dozzler landed, but that was only the beginning. He recorded with Austin, Texas people and this has transformed his style of piano and his dedication to the real Blues of the last half‑century.

Blues piano is a misunderstood thing and only in places like Cincinnati, is it still considered as a standalone part of the Blues Scene. The truth is, piano has always been part of Blues; there are so many piano players who have been integral to the development of this American cultural phenomenon. Christian Dozzler's new album, All Alone And Blue, is a wake up call for everyone that listens to Blues and may have forgotten the great role that the piano has had and will have in the Blues in this century.<>

Christian Dozzler is one hell of a piano player. I say that, because there is a large and unrecognized underground of solo piano players; great players like Barrelhouse Chuck, Erwin Helfer, Ann Rabson, Ricky Nye are pounding out the music. It's like a drug culture ‑ it's underground and not enough of us are getting the fix we need of this important roots music delivered by the players who are keeping it alive. It's an art form that sometimes gets obscured by the present music scene that focuses on ensemble playing and acoustic guitar. The biggest place that this is happening is Cincinnati, Ohio. Great bunch of players there! Christian Dozzler is another and this disc is a great way to see how this Austrian player has taken our own homecookin' and added some fine spice while being true to the original recipe. His album, All Alone and Blue is a wakeup for Blues people everywhere. This is a nice piece of work.

I guess you have to be a little nuts to go to sleep to "Fats" Waller and Joe Duskin and others of their ilk, but that's what I do sometimes. I just love this stuff! It adjusts my heart rate. I always feel better, and I never get a heart attack in the middle of the night. Dozzler's "Rather Be Lonesome" is a great sendoff. "Vienna Slim" shines on this and the rest of the CD. A former Larry Garner pianist, Christian is hot experienced on the keyboards. He played with Mojo Blues Band in Europe and fronted his own band for seven years. He has appeared on over thirty recordings.

His treatment of Leroy Carr's "Low Down Dog" is a groove into the original thang. "All Alone and Blue" is a lifeline of Blues about the Delta piano style. This is something Pinetop Perkins would gladly do. "Blues Life" is a solid riot on the right hand; Dozzler digs in on this one. "Glory of Love" is about Fats Domino doing the tune. This is the right feel of the '50s piano rockin' and the vocal is as clear as it is supposed to be. His treatment of Leroy Carr's "Midnight Hour Blues" is a classic. This is the way Blues piano should be experienced.

There are fifteen fine tracks on this CD and it is a good buy! I would tell you that going through this CD was a trip; I found so much great stuff out of the past, and so many original tunes that surprised me in their capture of original feeling. I was surprised and delighted with Christian Dozzler; this is some great piano and great Blues. We need guys like this‑‑ a real Bluesman and a great talent. I can't wait for the next helping of piano Blues from Christian Dozzler.

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).