Concert report, PNP, 12. July 2023

Great music in a gorgeous setting: The Hill Valley Orchestra inspires the audience in the Buchenau palace garden.

Buchenau. The circumstances could not have been better for the summer concert of the Hill Valley Orchestra in the enchanting garden of Buchenau Castle. The team around Doctor Roman Eder had again prepared everything perfectly for the onslaught of guests. These were not long in coming and so the chairs provided were filled to the last seat in no time. The 9-piece band is well known in Zwiesel and beyond for their enormous range of finest Jazz-Rock, Blues, Funk and Soul. Sustained applause repeatedly rewarded the solo performances of the individual musicians, who showed their great playing mood at this concert. But the conditions for this were also excellent. A summer evening with southerly temperatures late into the night, a fantastic backdrop in the castle park, the best hospitality from the tried and tested team from the Friends of Buchenau Castle and a wonderful sunset. The great songs, which were presented to the audience beforehand by Tom Riepl in a small moderation, were very well received by the guests. Professional guitarist Tom Riepl elicited guitar tones and variations from his instrument that can only amaze – always enthusiastically applauded by the audience. However, Riepl had no problem taking a step back in order to let his no less virtuosic bandmates take precedence. Starting with the two drummers Mike Isler and Klaus Hernitschek, who delivered real fireworks on their drums, all-rounder Andreas Köck, who inspired on saxophone, harmonica, keyboard and singing, the indispensable accompanist Max Fischl with his rhythm guitar, as well as the dynamic brass section of the HVO, Rita Dorner (trumpet) and Helmut Wittmann (trombone), who gave the individual pieces a special touch with their partly blaring, partly quiet brass instruments. And last but not least the two newcomers: Salina Albert with her impressive voice, and bass master Florian Seemann, who also fully convinced vocally. They all delivered a brilliant concert evening to the enthusiastic audience. After two encores, the crowd made their way home – inspired by the “Soulshine” of the Hill Valley Orchestra. -mhb 

Translated by Google