- Instrument: acoustic bass
- Born: 30.Sept.1961, Offenburg, Germany
- Studied classical bass
- Lives in Freiburg, Germany or in good hotel rooms
- Hobbies: soccer
Dieter Ilg was already establish as one of the best young bassmen in Germany when he was hired by Randy Brecker in 1987 for his "Acoustic Band". He toured with this group for over two years building an incredible reputation worldwide. Before this he had already recorded and toured with David Liebmann, Klaus Ignatzek, Bobby Watson and many others in Germany.
His first solo album was "Summerhill", which featured the same group of musicians throughout that had toured as the Randy Brecker Band before:Mike Stern (guitar), Peter Erskine (drums), Jim Beard (keyboards), Randy Brecker (tr) und Bob Berg (sax).
Musically "Summerhill" combines elements from funk-jazz, rock and bebop as well as some reggae in a original mix. Even though Ilg only plays acoustic five-string bass, the album sound "electric" because of Jim Beards keyboards and Mike Sterns electric guitar - which led to the album being released on Lipstick.
On the "acoustic" label Jazzline there are two other albums by Dieter Ilg, which are cooperations with his longtime friend and partner, pianist Marc Copland and drummers Ralph Penland and later Jeff Hirshfield. These trios partly follow the traditions of the legendary Bill Evans piano-trios, but have an individual harmonic style. Several reviewers called it "taking the Bill Evans tradition into the 90s."
Selected discography:
As leader/co-leader:
- Dieter Ilg - Summerhill (Lipstick LIP 89006)
- Ilg/Copland - Tracks (L&R Records)
- Ilg/Copland - Two Way Street (Jazzline JL 11133)
- Ilg/Copland - What's Going On (Jazzline JL 11138)
With others:
- Klaus Ignatzek Group feat. Dave Liebmann - The Spell (Nabel Rec.)
- Klaus Ignatzek Group feat. Bobby Watson - Live in Switzeland (Nabel)
- Randy Brecker Quintet w/Bob Berg - Live at the Sweat Basil (Sonet Rec.)
- Mendoza/Mardin Project - JAZZPANA
- Christoph Stiefele - Ancient Longing (Jazzline JL11141-2)
Author: Alex Mercke-mail: 73233,557@compuserve.com
Last Updated: Sam, 18. Feb 1995