Album Review: Musikzug Holweide Präsentiert by Musikzug KölnHolweide
Released in 1976 under the New Blood label, Musikzug Holweide Präsentiert is a vibrant snapshot of Germany’s brass and military music scene. This album brings together two distinct styles—brass band and big band—into one cohesive experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly bold. Led by conductor Wolfgang Tabel, with an ensemble packed with talent like clarinetist Michael Borowski and drummer Cornelia Pyxa, this record captures not just technical precision but also soulful expression.
One standout track is "Paloma Blanca." It's hard to forget how the horns swell at the opening, setting up a cinematic vibe before Elfie Leich’s flugelhorn steps in with its warm, golden tone. The interplay between the trumpets (Josef Kievernagel shines here!) and trombones gives the piece layers of depth without ever feeling cluttered. There’s something about the way it builds—an almost conversational flow—that makes it stick in your head long after the last note fades.
Another gem is "Schützenliesel." If you’re into tracks that feel like they could soundtrack a vintage European film, this one’s for ya. Hans Leich on tenor saxophone delivers a performance so smooth it nearly slides off the rails—but somehow stays perfectly balanced. The rhythm section, anchored by Cornelia Pyxa’s steady drumming, keeps things grounded while Heidi Tabel’s sax weaves through with playful energy. You can practically picture a bustling village square as the music unfolds.
What really sets this album apart isn’t just its technical brilliance—it’s the sheer joy radiating from every track. Whether it’s the bittersweet waltz of "Schneewalzer" or the lively bounce of "Liechtensteiner Polka," there’s an authenticity here that feels rare today. Sure, some transitions might sound a bit dated, and yeah, maybe a few solos go on longer than expected, but those quirks only add charm.
Reflecting on Musikzug Holweide Präsentiert, what strikes me most is how timeless these performances feel despite being rooted firmly in their era. Listening to this album feels like stepping into another world—a place where music wasn’t made for algorithms or streaming stats, but simply because people loved playing it. And honestly? That’s kinda beautiful. Who’d have thought a bunch of German musicians messing around with brass instruments back in ’76 would leave such a lasting impression?
Elfie Leich, Ingo Kleinmann, Ralf Manal, Roland Schlusche
Horn
Hans-W. Tabel
Saxophone
Heidi Tabel, Petra Schenk
Tenor Saxophone
Hans Leich
Trombone
Ingo Schenk, Sabine Tabel
Trumpet
Josef Kievernagel, Jürgen Binding
Notes
Aufnahme Studio Koch/ Köln, 26.9.1976.
Barcodes
Rights Society: GEMA
Interesting fact about Album
Here’s something cool: The album *Musikzug Holweide Präsentiert* by Musikzug KölnHolweide is like a time capsule from 1976 Germany. It’s packed with brass-heavy tunes that feel both nostalgic and lively. What makes it special? Well, the band had some serious family vibes going on. Wolfgang Tabel, the conductor, worked alongside his wife Heidi Tabel on saxophone and his brother Hans-W. Tabel on horn. That’s not all—Elfie Leich played flugelhorn while her husband Hans Leich rocked the tenor saxophone. Talk about a musical family affair! Tracks like *Paloma Blanca* and *Liechtensteiner Polka* show how this group blended genres like Brass Band and Big Band into their own unique sound.
