Helmut Brandt

Born in Berlin on New Year's Day of 1931, the composer, bandleader, and baritone saxophonist Helmut Brandt was a vital force on the German jazz scene throughout the entire second-half of the 20th century. While the jazz of this country is often associated with avant-garde styles, bringing to mind the fire-breathing saxophonist Peter Brötzmann, Brandt was a German bopper by nature whose inspirations were players such as Stan Getz and the intricate arrangements of Gil Evans. He first heard sides by the latter artist as a teenager. Brandt rose to prominence among mainstream fans ...