- Tete Montoliu Trio "Catalonian Rhapsody" Limited Edition !
- Venus Masterpiece LP Collection !
- Double LP 180 gram Vinyl !
- Mixed & Mastered by Tetsuo Hara !
- Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix Stereo !
- Gatefold Jacket !
- OBI Strip !
- Made in Japan !

A magnificent musical journey through the soul of Catalonia, where timeless Mediterranean melodies meet the extraordinary artistry and improvisational brilliance of one of Europe's greatest jazz pianists.

With Catalonian Rhapsody, the legendary Spanish pianist Tete Montoliu pays a deeply personal tribute to the rich musical heritage of his native Catalonia. Renowned for his exceptional technique, sophisticated harmonic imagination and remarkable sense of swing, Montoliu transforms traditional folk melodies and beloved Catalan compositions into captivating jazz interpretations filled with passion, elegance and emotional depth.

Born in Barcelona in 1933, Tete Montoliu became one of the most internationally acclaimed European jazz pianists of his generation. Deeply influenced by the bebop tradition and such legendary musicians as Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, he developed a distinctive musical voice combining dazzling virtuosity, rhythmic intensity and exquisite melodic sensitivity. Throughout his remarkable career, he performed and recorded alongside celebrated jazz artists including Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Kenny Dorham and Lionel Hampton.

Recorded in Barcelona on March 8, 1992, Catalonian Rhapsody brings together Tete Montoliu on piano, Hein Van de Geyn on double bass and Idris Muhammad on drums. This exceptional trio creates a wonderfully expressive musical dialogue, blending the spontaneity of modern jazz with the warmth and lyrical beauty of traditional Catalan music.

Throughout the album, Montoliu explores eight memorable compositions, including "Catalonian National Anthem (Els Segadors)", "The Lady from Aragon", "The Singing of the Birds" and "Words of Love". His brilliant improvisations reveal the remarkable expressive possibilities of these familiar melodies, moving effortlessly between intimate, reflective passages and vibrant moments of rhythmic excitement. Hein Van de Geyn's rich and resonant bass lines provide an elegant harmonic foundation, while Idris Muhammad's subtle yet powerful drumming brings an irresistible sense of groove and dynamic energy.

Presented in a prestigious Japanese Venus Records limited edition on two 180 gram vinyl LPs, Catalonian Rhapsody belongs to the acclaimed Venus Masterpiece LP Collection. Mixed and mastered by Tetsuo Hara using the renowned Venus Hyper Magnum Sound process, this exceptional release is housed in an elegant gatefold jacket complete with its traditional Japanese OBI strip.

An outstanding recording that beautifully unites the cultural heritage of Catalonia with the freedom, sophistication and expressive power of acoustic piano jazz. An essential addition to any collection of European jazz and exceptional Japanese audiophile vinyl editions.