1st European Jazz Competition – European Young Jazz Artist – Jazz Festival Leverkusen 1982 – International Jazz Federation – Various – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

This rare document from the 1982 Leverkusen Jazz Festival captures a singular moment in European jazz history—when youthful ambition collided with tradition, spawning a new wave of improvisational brilliance. ‘1st European Jazz Competition – European Young Jazz Artist’ is more than a sampler; it’s a vibrant snapshot of creative risk-taking, where emerging European artists, handpicked by the International Jazz Federation, performed live before an audience hungry for innovation.

What sets this compilation apart is its palpable sense of discovery. Each track is steeped in the urgency and excitement of competition, revealing the adventurous spirit that defined early ’80s European jazz. Whether it’s the angular melodies, boundary-pushing solos, or unexpected arrangements, the album offers a window into the next generation’s vision—before they became household names. Jazz collectors and history enthusiasts will appreciate how these performances document not only the technical prowess of their players, but also the shifting landscape of jazz in Europe during a pivotal era. For anyone fascinated by the evolution of jazz, this album is both an essential listen and a testament to the genre’s endless capacity for reinvention.

Track List:
A1 – Chelsea Bridge – 7:46
A2 – Campo San Stefano – 7:53
A3 – Eine Restklasse Fehlt – 8:06
B1 – Gattonero – 11:49
B2 – Come Back Soon – 7:33
C1 – Lua Av For Kua – 16:49
D1 – Blue Drop – 11:09
D2 – Sad Dawn – 7:38