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Wonderful! Just two days ago Benny Greb and I had a rather pleasant barbecue session and over the food we got to talking about drums. Basically I wanted to find out more about how drummers think their music. It was the beginning of an intense and, particularly on my part, insightful discussion. Benny simply is great at explaining: a bit like the kind of teacher one always wanted to have, captivating and inspiring, with a roguish smile sparkling over the edges of his glasses.

The early bird catches the worm. To be proven by Lily Dahab and her band this Tuesday morning, the 28^th of August, when she will be featured in the ZDF Morgen Magazin at the dusky break of dawn. The music of the Argentinian-born singer would not really be classified as autumnal though – much rather will she enchant the studio of the ZDF with summery flair and lightness. Her melange of Latin sounds and jazz is simply fascinating and a celebration of life. So out of your beds and take your coffee to the TV or PC and tune in at 8:50 am. Hola – buenos dias!

There have been more than a few musical revelations in my life. But it was Aretha Franklin who really awoke my musical mind, filled it with a sense of truth and direction. Her music crossed the borders of the USA and the ocean with ease and even as a child it seemed obvious that this is great and important music – and fun as well! Her energy, timing, timbre, her jubilating power and richness of seemingly effortless ornamentation filled me with awe. How often did one together with friends or strangers spontaneously join into singing the refrains?!

As a singer Lily Dahab is more than used to holding a microphone in her hands. One more reason for her and her piano player/arranger Bene Aperdannier to be as comfortable as delighted about being invited for an interview at Radio Eins. Here – close to the microphone and clearly relaxed – she could talk about her new CD Bajo un mismo cielo and explain her musical world. The programme is called Lokalmatador (´local hero´) and is a perfect fit for a musician originally from Argentina, and now at home in Berlin. You may call Lily´s music a skilful mix of all kinds of Latin styles and jazz.

All these mornings tend to be alike: up with the legs, have a tea. Not just a ritual, rather a necessity. But the thoughts already revolve around music. This morning I took the three sidesteps to the stereo and put on Jeff Cascaro´s latest record “Love and Blues in the City”. No later than the fabulous track “Ain´t No Love in the Heart of the City” and the spirits are wide awake and jumping. An incredibly beautiful piece of music, with a gentle, subtle groove. While listening to this production it occurred to me, that something might have got lost in contemporary jazz.

Summer is here and so is Lily Dahab´s new summer album. What kind of music are we listening to in summer? Vivacious and passionate music, of course! Which is exactly what Lily Dahab has to offer in abundance. The singer, being raised in Argentina and now based in Berlin, has incorporated an ever wider range of Latin sounds and rhythms into her music. Original compositions, as well as interpretations of songs by Djavan, Violeta Parra, or Baden Powell – everything the heart desires.

In 2011, at one of the first editions of the Elbjazz, the Nighthawks gave a legendary performance. This is documented on their CD & DVD “Live in Hamburg”. Now the signals are send across the Elbe once again and the band will return to the Blohm & Voss site to present their new album “707”. On June the 1st this award-winning rock-jazz-ensemble will play at the Schiffbauhalle 7. The concert will begin at 22:30 h. If you love moments for eternity – don´t miss it!

Throughout the years of our active label work we have forged many a close relationship. But the Jazz Rally, this absolutely unique music festival in the old town of Düsseldorf, has become a true friend. Over the years almost all of our artists have let their voices resound or blown their horns here. Be it in the Festival Tent, in the pubs, the state parliament or at the shopping mall – the whole city becomes a cosmopolitan stage. And this time even four of our artists will be represented!