"4" is the title of the Nighthawks‘ fourth album, and this title could hardly be more simple and clear. Again Dal Martino and Reiner Winterschladen have found their very own position in the universe between jazz, pop, and ambitious lounge sounds, without just fulfilling the expectations of all those who would have liked more of what the Nighthawks stand for since 1998. That was when the producer and bass player met the trumpet player. And already then Martino and Winterschladen agreed that there had to be a new way. One that lies between all the stylewise beaten paths, that would lead them this way and that, always searching for those special moods of the night. With their debut "Citizen Wayne" they have set standards and proved that there is such a way.
The album "Metro Bar" that followed, the sound track of a night, was a surprise success in 2001. At first go it went to the top of the German Jazz Charts, it multiplied the number of albums sold and the band pocketed the German Jazz Award.
Since the Nighthawks‘ third album "As The Sun Sets" was published in 2004 and easily exceeded the high aims that its predecessors hat set, it is obvious that they have to be counted on in the future. As if to confirm this, the band proved that their concept gives off the same magic live as it did in the studio.
"4" presents the Nighthawks as highly adventurous. They make experiments with moods, with sounds, with tiny quotations. This abundance of details makes this album a discovery even at the 20th time listening. The hypnotic voice of De-Phazz singer Pat Appleton is back, as she captures the magic of the very early morning on "Defi ne The Day" gently, yet determinately. On "Pensando em outro mundo" Brazilian singer Patricia Cruz on "Here we are" the American singer Shannon Callahan add brilliant vocal accents. Also in the studio in Düsseldorf: Piano player/pianist Jürgen Dahmen (Propaganda,
Temptations, Tan), guitar player Markus Winstroer (Lalo Schifrin, Randy Brecker), drummer Thomas Alkier (Dizzy Gillespie, Nigel Kennedy), keyboard player Xaver Fischer, Thomas Kessler on synthesizer and Konstantin Winstroer on bass.
"4" is a dream Dal Martino and Reiner Winterschladen have made come true. Without repeating themselves, they wish to exceed themselves. It took a lot of nights to put every last note
where it needed to be. Both men used their experience from their long musical carreers. During a quarter of a century Dal Martino has made experiences as a bass player in bands like Trance Groove and as fi lm soundtrack producer. Reiner Winterschladen has been a regular member of the NDR big
band since 1995 and always has been eager for trip into new territories. An engagement with Trance Groove had him meet Dal Martino.
Jürgen Dahmen: rhodes, Hammond, grand piano, percussion
Markus Wienstroer: guitars, pedal steel
Thomas Alkier: drums
Xaver Fischer: wurlitzer piano, synthesizer
Thomas Kessler: Synthesizer
Konstantin Wienstroer: Double Bass
Reiner Winterschladen: trumpet, Flugelhorn
Dal Martino: bass, guitars, synthesizer, vocals
special guests
Pat Appleton: vocals on Defi ne the day
Patricia Cruz: vocals on Pensando em outro mundo
Shannon Callahan: vocals on Here we are
Recorded at Spinner Ace Studio Dü sseldorf
and Black Sheep Studio Dü sseldorf
produced by Dal Martino
mixed by Piid and Dal Martino at Spinner Ace Studio-Dü sseldorf
mastered at Skyline Dü sseldorf
