Eberhard Weber's first record remains his most well-known and
influential. An ambitious work of what might be called symphonic jazz,
The Colours of Chloë helped to define the ECM sound -- picturesque,
romantic, at times rhythmically involved, at others minimalistic and
harmonically abstruse. Weber at various points combines strings, choir,
synthesizer, and small jazz ensemble. It's a brew that can bring to mind
some of the progressive rock and fusion of the era, although Weber's
vision is a good deal more idiosyncratic than that. The disc is
comprised of only four tracks. First is the atmospheric, stage-setting
"More Colours," followed by the title track, during which pianist Rainer
Brüninghaus and drummer Ralf Hübner become active. Next is "An Evening
With Vincent Van Ritz," featuring deft Rhodes chording from Brüninghaus
and a flügelhorn solo by Ack van Rooyen. Finally, there's the nearly
20-minute "No Motion Picture" (this was originally side two of the LP),
based on a fast, repetitive bass riff that keeps re-emerging throughout
the course of the composition. People will disagree about whether The
Colours of Chloë stands the test of time, but Weber's aesthetic played a
significant role in the creative music of the '70s, attracting a fair
share of emulators. David R. Adler
Tracklist :
1 More Colours 6:39
2 The Colours Of Chloë 7:45
Drums – Ralf Hübner
3 An Evening With Vincent Van Ritz 5:46
4 No Motion Picture 19:32
Credits
Bass, Cello, Ocarina, Composed By – Eberhard Weber
Cello [Cellos] – Südfunk Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart
Drums, Percussion – Peter Giger
Flugelhorn – Ack Van Rooyen
Piano, Synthesizer – Rainer Brüninghaus
