Standards, songs, Viennese standards, and more

In the 1970s, Jimi U, a singer and entertainer from Pittsburgh (USA) who had traveled the world, came to Vienna. Within a short time, he had become a celebrity on the local music scene. Through Fritz Pauer, Albert Mair met Jimi U after his avant-garde period with Hans Koller. The two began collaborating spontaneously, mostly as a quartet with Jimmy Woode (bass) and Erich Bachträgl (drums).

During a concert, the young saxophonist Martin Fuss joined them—today one of the most sought-after musicians on the scene. The rhythm section at the time consisted of Johannes Strasser on bass and Fatty George drummer Karl Prosenik: The “Jimi U Albert Mair Quintet,” or J.A.Q. for short, was born. After a few weeks, Strasser was replaced by Heinz Jäger, known from the ORF Big Band: Since the mid-1990s, the sensitive musician Klaus Göhr has played drums in the quintet. J.A.Q. has been around for over 35 years. For nearly 10 of those years (1999 to 2008), the band performed as a sextet with Carole Alston as “J.A.Q.plus,” playing concerts, jazz clubs, and events throughout Europe... (Press release)

The energetic pianist Albert Mair turns an incredible 85 years old in June, an occasion that calls for a fitting celebration with a concert and many guests. Happy Birthday, dear Albert! CH