A month shy of the 40th anniversary of Alexander von Schlippenbach’s monumental album Globe Unity (1966), the German pianist brought together a modern edition of this freewheeling large ensemble for a concert at the 2006 Berlin Jazzfest as well as time in the studio. The result is an album that celebrates the history of one of Europe’s longest-running jazz ensembles and demonstrates it is, with new material and members, still a vital part of the European jazz scene. The Globe Unity Orchestra’s music is still like a promise. A commitment to a future-oriented process. Belief in an always developing form. At the same time, quite real sounds and rhythms are produced in a space they fill with unexpected energy. This is it! Here and now. In the context of musical history, forty years may prove comparatively brief, but they represent most of the creative existence of a human life. «In the hot fire of the moment. And it does involve a burst of energy that makes new, more intense experiences possible. Here and now. Globe Unity Forever! Bert Noglik I am very proud to be a part of this history, I want to celebrate, along with you, the listener, the fortieth anniversary of this unique, wonderful ensemble.»

Cover art, Graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: George Lewis, Bert Noglik
Photos: Laurence Svirchev, Peter Bastian

Recorded at SWR Studio 1 in Baden-Baden and at the concert at JazzFest Berlin by Alfred Habelitz, Clemens Haas, November 1, 2 and 4 (JazzFest Berlin), 2006. Mixed and mastered by Alfred Habelitz, SWR Baden-Baden. Produced by SWR2 Redaktion Neue Musik/Jazz, Reinhard Kager and Intakt Records. Produced and published by Intakt Records. Executive production: Patrik Landolt