Please use the following links to access Christian's presskit (download
high-res photos and info sheet in pdf for press release) and quotes of
reviews on Christian's live performances or CD releases.
presskitshow presskit
concert reviewsshow concert reviews jazz with exuberant Joie de vivre"Christian proved to be a master of quiet tones...whether in dialogue with the saxophonist, or in his solos: with his skill and sensitive style of playing, he won the audience once again." (A.Knufmann, BBV, 20-2-10)
successful tour opener"the music was passionate, sensitive, had lyrical power...the audience was spellbound...at this concert it became clear how lively good jazz can be, that it's evolving, never static and subject to constant change." (BBV, 31-10-09)
world class jazz guitarist"Christian Hassenstein is a world class jazz guitarist. A very lyrical, warm and heartfelt sound with no hint of pretension... a very gifted artist!" (David Friesen, master Jazz bassist, December 2008)
intense jazz rousingly played"Music played with great intensity and expression... the versatile musicians created a explosion of high-level Jazz music" (Münsterland Zeitung Vreden, 14-7-07)
outstanding jazz trio"Great music... Jazz on a high level... a guitarist rarely sounded as emotional and subtle as Christian... appealing virtuosity, wit and imagination" (A.Austrup, Münstersche Zeitung, 12-7-07)
highly individual"Christian played with great subtelity and attention... authentic sound... highly individual interpretations of songs" (B.-E. Ross, BBV, 7-7-07)
stimulating latin-jazz"Brilliant fine-tuning in trio interplay... stimulating... excellent soloing" (M.Stukowski, BBV, 16-7-07)
jazz on a high level"Christian [...] presented Jazz on a high level with a individual note...nice interplay...succesful choice of repertoire" (P.Leson, BBV, 19-6-06)
feverish jazzgig"Polished arrangements and solos...rousing interplay...lively soloing...lots of variety" (M.Stukowski, BBV, 11-4-06)
skilful and seamless playing without fatigue"His guitar playing showed many facets and stylistic variety...he improvised beautiful, sparkling melodies accentuated by dense chord-progressions...the swift lines on guitar and bass were melting together in a mighty groove" (M.Stukowski, BBV, 11-3-06) jazz-formation with class"Relaxed interplay...sensitive guitar playing...music with great atmosphere, very poetic" (M.Stukowski, BBV, 11-2-06)
high-caliber jazz"Dense arrangements and sensible improvisations galore...fluent guitarplaying...they all had great fun playing and were displaying their stylistic capabilities...guitar and sax played breathtaking duets together...combining diverse Jazzstyles in a relaxed way wetted the appetite for more" (M.Stukowski, BBV, 14-1-06)
a moving experience"These guys made the audience move...Jazz repertoire at its best...Christian proved to a master of the many facets of playing Jazzguitar..." (M.Stukowski, BBV, 20-6-05)
passion and virtuosity"...skillful and brilliant playing..." (M.Adick, Heilbronner Tageszeitung, 6-5-02)
transparency and lyricism"The sound of the group is beautiful ... it's pleasantly surprising to hear these musicians not overplaying, not burying the music with too many ideas ... this group impresses with a nice overall shape of sound, instrumental virtuosity and great harmonic depth in their improvisations." (Horst Seipelt, Lingener Tagespost, 23-12-94)
great jazz"The band created a loose, playful atmosphere ... Christian's acoustic and electric guitar playing is extremely playful and his guitar seemed to be a extension of his body ... Christian is obviously a very gifted composer ... relaxed sounds which could boil up to explosive eruptions ... the high point of the evening was Christian's 'New Ballad'." (Wolfgang Friemerding, Oldenburgische Volkszeitung, 22-6-94)
taste guaranteed"Impressive combination of sounds, ... the velvet, full-bodied sound of Christian's guitar stood out ... a nice evening with tasteful music." (Markus Müller, NRZ, 19-3-94)
straight ahead with great feeling"Christian played with seriousness and great feeling ... it was a pleasure to hear these guys play." (Leo Lukas, Kleine Zeitung Graz, Austria, 14-1-85)
CD reviewsshow CD reviews 'lost paradise' cd reviews"a very tight ensemble ... nice relaxed guitar playing blends perfectly with his skillful compositions and arrangements ... the lyrical sax playing is the ice on the cake, very beautiful" (Ntb muziekwereld, 1-02) "Christian is a confident player, with great determination in his musical statements ... he successfully avoids pure epigonism ... very convincing accompanist and composer as well ..." (Alexander Schmitz, Jazz Podium 9-01) "The quartet utilizes unexpected harmonic shifts and accents melodic aspects in their playing ... relaxed-swinging and resourceful music." (Martin Laurentius, Jazz Thing 9-01)
'conversations' cd reviews"this CD is a stroke of luck ... exceptional guitar trio Jazz ... Christian has a fully developped personal style ... poignant and elegant playing ... a five star program" (Alexander Schmitz, Jazz Podium, May 2010) "music on a high communicative level ... Christian's playing is characterized by clarity, dynamism and playfulness ... each note is both graceful and effective...you hear the attention to detail, you feel the love and respect for music ... jazz at its best!" (Frank Huser, Jazzflits, nr 133, 22 Feb 10) "music on a exceptional high level ... a very interesting CD which deserves close listening." (Andreas Polte, Archtop Germany, 12-09) "very inventive trio playing ... Christian is a masterful player with a big dynamic range ... every note counts and hits bulls-eye ... the sound is top-notch, beautifully balanced" (Ntb muziekwereld, 4-09) |
