Take Effect Reviews

Christian Winninghoff: Cloud Sounds

The Cologne trumpeter and composer Christian Winninghoff spent the pandemic years crafting this 4th album, where a very soulful delivery of both originals and interpretations takes help from many esteemed musicians.

“Two Of Us” starts the listen with warm brass, as Sam Leigh Brown’s stunning pipes guide the stirring, poetic climate, and “Wonderful Life” follows with Kirill Vorwold’s graceful piano and Kai Schonburg’s precise drumming illuminating Winninghoff’s absorbing trumpet.

Further on, Nora Becker’s dreamy pipes enter alongside Stephan Emig’s playful percussion on the pretty “Playing With The Clouds”, while “Flow Circus” has Winninghoff on vocals for the hand clapping fun, lush textures and flowing dynamics.

Closer to the end, the soothing version of “Surf’s Up” makes for a unique presence that mixes winds from the Hi Hornz, and “The Fool On The Hill” exits with Nico Brandenburg’s skilled bass lines amid Martin Schulte’s meticulous guitar in a very mesmerizing finish.

Winninghoff is also a member of the Jazzkantine and the Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and he brings a wealth of talent and experience to these jazz, soul and funk songs that, amazingly, were recorded live over just a weekend.

 JazzBluesNews.com

Cologne trumpeter Christian Winninghoff and his band are joined by the Hi Hornz section and 4 special guest vocalists in this originals jazz album drenched in groove and soul.
The pandemic years were a challenging time for many creatives, and Cologne trumpeter, composer and arranger Christian Winninghoff, a member of the Jazzkantine and the Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, was no exception.
Known for performances more suitable for the atmosphere of a densely packed club than for a ventilated concert hall with a masked audience, he spent the forced downtime working on the essentials: his sound, expression and soul.
Diving into songwriting and reinterpreting the great classics, the resulting album has his stamp on both trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as in his arrangements and compositions.
Cloud Sounds makes use of some of the illustrious voices of Cologne’s jazz and soul scenes; alongside singers Nora Becker, Sam Leigh Brown, Inga Lühning and Albert N’sanda, Cloud Sounds features other friends including the lead trombonist of the WDR Big Band Ludwig Nuss and the HI HORNZ SECTION, contributing a powerful funk spirit.

The album’s togetherness owes a special thanks to the fact that all the album was tracked live on a single summer weekend in Topaz studios in Cologne.

Jazz weekly
Christian Winninghoff: Cloud Sounds

by George W. Harris • November 21, 2022 •

Christian Winninghoff plays trumpet, flugelhorn, euphonium and even sings a bit on a variety of setting on tis pop-focused album. The supporting core team of Martin Schulte/g, Kirill Vorwald/key, Nico Brandenburg/b, Kai Schonburg/dr and Stephan Emig/perc is intermittently supplemented by the Hi Hornz and guest vocalists, with pretty voice on “Playing With Clouds” or an Average White Bandish “Perfect Weekend” the result. Winninghoff’s horn is Miles Davis hip on a warm take of “The Fool On The Hill” and swings well on “Acker Blues”. If Chuck Mangione-styled jazz is your cup of tea, this is the place to imbibe.

viberate.com
Overview of Jazz Fusion musician Christian Winninghoff

Christian Winninghoff, a brilliant Jazz and Jazz Fusion musician hailing from Germany, has recently published his latest album named „Cloud Sounds (2022).“ This album highlights Winninghoff’s excellent skills as a composer and performer, presenting a compelling blend of jazz and fusion elements. With his own musical style, Winninghoff takes listeners on a captivating trip through intricate melodies and improvisations.

„Cloud Sounds (2022)“ includes a compilation of pieces that highlight Winninghoff’s creative approach to jazz music. Each work resonates with depth and complexity, demonstrating his mastery of several instruments and his ability to flawlessly blend distinct genres. From the charming melodies to the complicated rhythms, the album creates a compelling environment that keeps listeners captivated from start to finish.

In addition to his latest release, Winninghoff’s earlier work includes the renowned CD „Color Music (2003).“ This previous album illustrates his artistic progress and serves as a monument to his passion to pushing the frontiers of jazz and fusion music. With its bright compositions and appealing arrangements, „Color Music“ remains a remarkable addition to Winninghoff’s discography.

Christian Winninghoff continues to enchant audiences with his individual approach to jazz and jazz fusion songs. Through his latest album „Cloud Sounds (2022)“ and previous work such as „Color Music (2003),“ Winninghoff demonstrates his remarkable talent and artistic vision. Each track on these CDs stands as a monument to his commitment to crafting fascinating and original music that crosses genres.

What are the most popular songs for Christian Winninghoff?

German Jazz Fusion artist Christian Winninghoff has become well-known thanks to his extensive discography. He had several hits, including „Jumpin‘ Jive,“ „Balkan Ska,“ „The Great White Open,“ „Green Card Bolero,“

„Black Widow,“ and „De la Rosa.“ These songs all display Winninghoff’s distinct sound and skill as a musician.The upbeat and energizing song „Jumpin‘ Jive“ has jazz and swing themes. Fans love it because of its captivating melodies and enticing pace. However, „Balkan Ska“ creates a lively and enthralling combination by combining the grooves of Ska with traditional Balkan music.

„The Great White Open“ transports listeners to a different realm through its complex orchestration and evocative sound design. The track’s ethereal beauty and dramatic changes demonstrate Winninghoff’s compositional skill. Similarly, the evocative melody and emotional depth of „Green Card Bolero“ enchant listeners.

The songs „Black Widow“ and „De la Rosa“ highlight Winninghoff’s range as a performer. The combination of Jazz, Funk, and Rock components in „Black Widow“ results in a strong and compelling listening experience. However, „De la Rosa“ demonstrates Winninghoff’s ability to blend jazz with Latin rhythms, creating a lively and upbeat song.

Finally, Christian Winninghoff’s best songs—“Jumpin‘ Jive,“ „Balkan Ska,“ „The Great White Open,“ „Green Card Bolero,“ „Black Widow,“ and „De la Rosa“—emphasize his skill and versatility as a Jazz Fusion performer. Every song presents a new listening experience, showcasing Winninghoff’s skill at fusing many genres to create engaging compositions.

roughtrade.com

The album Cloud Sounds by Christian Winninghoff, released by Glm Music, is a captivating and ethereal musical journey that transports listeners to a world of dreamy melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.

With its delicate blend of ambient electronic elements and soothing acoustic instrumentation, Cloud Sounds creates a serene and introspective atmosphere. Each track on the album takes listeners on a sonic exploration, inviting them to immerse themselves in the beauty of the music.

Christian Winninghoff’s masterful composition and production skills shine through in every song, as he effortlessly weaves together layers of lush textures and intricate melodies. The result is a collection of songs that are both mesmerizing and deeply emotive.

From the opening track to the closing notes, Cloud Sounds invites listeners to close their eyes and let the music wash over them. The gentle rhythms and subtle harmonies create a sense of tranquility, allowing for moments of reflection and relaxation.

Whether you’re looking for music to unwind after a long day or simply want to escape into an enchanting sonic landscape, Cloud Sounds is the perfect choice. Its timeless beauty and captivating melodies make it an album that can be enjoyed time and time again.

Experience the magic of Cloud Sounds by Christian Winninghoff today. Let yourself be carried away by its enchanting melodies and discover a world where clouds come alive with sound.