Wolfgang Dauner

by Ron WynnAn intriguing composer and ambitious pianist, German musician Wolfgang Dauner has combined jazz, rock, electronic music and elements of opera and theater in creating broad-based, ranging works. While sometimes these compositions seem too far-reaching, Dauner's best work shows the links between idioms and genres and offers provocative musical and cultural concepts. He studied trumpet, piano and composition at the Musikhochschule in Stuttgart, then joined Joki Freund's sextet in the early '60s. Dauner appeared at several German festivals, then made his recording debut heading a trio in 1964. It was one of the first European free jazz recording sessions. Dauner led Radio Jazz Group Stuttgart and wrote compositions for them in 1969. He formed the jazz-rock band Et Cetera in 1970, then co-led with Hans Koller the Free Sound & Super Brass Big Band. He helped organize The United Jazz And Rock Ensemble in 1975, and began featuring theater, opera, and dance segments along with his performances in '70s and '80s concerts. Dauner's composed music for films, radio and televison broadcasts, and a children's opera. He's recorded for Mood, Columbia, MPS, and ECM among others. Dauner has a couple of sessions available on CD.