Volker Kriegel

Guitarist Volker Kriegel earned widespread recognition as the father of European jazz-rock through his pivotal role in the Dave Pike Set and the string of groundbreaking solo albums he later recorded for MPS. Born December 24, 1943, in Darmstadt, Germany, he was enrolled in sociology courses taught by philosopher Theodor W. Adorno when he joined a Frankfurt ensemble alongside jazz figures Albert and Emil Mangelsdorff; he soon left his studies behind to devote himself entirely to music. In 1968 he joined expatriate American vibraphonist Pike, helping form one of Western Europe’s most acclaimed jazz-fusion groups, documented on the 1969 release Noisy Silence -- Gentle Noise. While still working with Pike, Kriegel established the Mild Maniac Orchestra and, in 1970, recorded Keep on Driving for MPS with violinist Don "Sugarcane" Harris. He then secured his own MPS contract, issuing the landmark jazz-rock album Spectrum in 1971—the first of ten releases for the label that also included the notable 1973 session Lift! and 1975’s Topical Harvest. In 1976 he joined Albert Mangelsdorff, American altoist Charlie Mariano, British saxophonist Barbara Thompson, Dutch trumpeter Ack van Rooyen and additional international players to launch the United Jazz and Rock Ensemble. This large, frequently changing collective remained Kriegel’s main performing outlet until he gradually stepped back from the stage to focus on other projects, most prominently a series of acclaimed children’s books such as Der Rock 'n' Roll Konig (The Rock 'n' Roll King) and Olaf dem Elch (Olaf the Moose). The group’s 2002 farewell tour marked his last public appearance; after a struggle with cancer, he died on June 15, 2003.