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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBROADLAHNAustrian folk jazz group based in Graz, with an inspired and subtle taste for theatrical antics. Before the mid-'80s the folk scenes of the German-speaking countries looked from outside like a never-ending story of wan Celtic cover bands or one long pseudo-medieval experience; now groups have emerged delving more deeply into regional folk traditions and bringing something contemporary to them. Broadlahn (a dialect word meaning a wide avalanche) from the Steiermark region of Austria are part of that movement, drawing on Alpine folk traditions (incl. yodelling), rock and jazz. They grew out of a trio formed '82; when they cut their debut album '90, they were Reinhard Grube, saxes, clarinet, flute, vocals; Ernst Huber, vocals, guitar, harmonica, perc; Josef Ofner, vocals, guitars; Philipp Rottensteiner, vocals, mandolin, violin; Franz Schmuck, drums and perc, vocals; Reinhard Ziegerhofer, basses and vocals. This lineup still intact '96. Broadlahn on their own Fab Records '90 demonstrated their instrumental and vocal abilities, but at the Tanz&FolkFest Rudolstadt '91 their performance at the Heidecksburg revealed a marvellous theatrical flair: individuals appeared on balconies overlooking the castle courtyard, gradually uniting on stage. Their Austrian dialect cover of the Beatles' 'Mother Nature's Son' (rechristened 'Bua von Muata Natur') was a highlight. Leib und Seel (Body And Soul) on Farmer's Best '93 carried on their blend of folk and jazz elements, influential on the emergence of a new music scene in Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Broadlahn guested on fellow Austrian Joe Zawinul's My People on Escapade '96 in the overdubbed company of percussionist Trilok Gurtu, Zawinul personally supervising the overdub session. Broadlahn are also represented on several live recordings including Tanz&FolkFest Rudolstadt '91 on hei-deck records '92. |