by Joslyn Layne This live recording captures an incredible December 1996 performance from a stunning group of internationally renowned improvisers: German pianist Georg Graewe, Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson, Italian trombonist Sebi Tramontana, Brazilian cellist Marcio Mattos, and British drummer Mark Sanders. Concert in Berlin 1996 features these musicians in a hard-bop quintet setting, albeit an unorthodox one. The group performs one piece of five sections that includes many of the possible musician combinations, including solos -- particularly Graewe's extended solo, "Section D," which he describes as "a miniature piano concerto." Lots of extended techniques, interesting interaction, and surprises are heard throughout this stellar concert of European improvisation.