Wolfgang Lackerschmid made jazz history at a young age with the album “Ballads for Two”, recorded as a duo with Chet Baker. As a vibraphonist and composer, he embodies vibrant jazz: virtuosic, humorous, harmonically sophisticated – and always melodic. The box set, comprising seven CDs and a 60-page booklet, chronicles his career as a musician and composer, spanning more than 50 years.

However, to describe Wolfgang Lackerschmid merely as a performing artist would not do him justice. He is also a gifted composer and ensemble leader who selects the right musicians for every project and brings his full commitment to every musical work to which he is invited. He does not attempt to adapt the music to his extraordinary abilities, but rather adapts his extensive knowledge, his talent, his perfect musical ear and his technical skills perfectly to the needs of the music. This is precisely what makes the music he creates, in every format and style, so genuine, entertaining and, at the same time, superhuman. He composes for people and draws direct inspiration from the people and situations he experiences with them. His creative spirit translates these situations into music in an admirable way.

This CD set provides a fascinating overview of the illustrious career of a unique musician, which began in the mid-1970s and continues to this day – he has just turned 70. ‘A Portrait’, however, is not merely a comprehensive summary, for Wolfgang Lackerschmid, with his joy in making music, remains as active and inquisitive a musician as he was at the very beginning. The compilation is of great value even to those who are already thoroughly familiar with his recordings. It comprises a wide selection of pieces being released for the first time from Wolfgang’s live performances and studio recordings. It features a wide variety of ensemble configurations and numerous outstanding artists with whom he has collaborated over the years. The majority consists of Wolfgang’s own compositions, including pieces he originally wrote for theatre or ballet. These are complemented by several arrangements of well-known jazz standards and pieces from the classical repertoire. It is particularly in the vocal pieces that one can discover his great skills as a composer.