After his degree in jazz piano and jazz theory at the Anton Bruckner University Linz, Austria, Stefan Oberthaler worked as a session and sideman musician for several artists and bands, including Helmut Schönleitner, Leila Thipgen, Hubert Tubbs (Tower of Power), Marina Trost, Bella Wagner and Pete Fletcher. His interest in composing and producing music leaded him to found the music label Killervirus-Audio to explore the various new and experimental offshoots of nu-jazz and broken beat and to establish these within the European jazz tradition. The first release in the label’s Remix Virus series reflects the technical and musical quality of the compositions culled from Stefan’s recent Journey_Man album but also the diversity of styles applied by the remixers Black Alley, Pete Fletcher, and Keyminator (an alias of Stefan Oberthaler). The overall impact is adventurous, unique, and infectious.
Fly5 // Keyminator`s Drumworx RMX + Extended Drumworx RMX - The original “Fly5” is a homage to the famous jazz tune “Take Five”, composed by Paul Desmond. The remix reflects the great rhythm feeling in this era, reinventing modal jazz for the 21st century. An acoustic drum sample blends with precise electronic beats as a laid back chord progression with a 70’s funk feel explodes into a section with shifting filtered drum tracks. The extended version lengthens the percussive mid-section as the backing falls away to expose the drum in an intricate beat solo that should work wonders in a DJ’s set.
Move feat. Mariko Kiyose // Black Alley`s Private Cut - Black Alley is a Berlin based DJ, remixer, and producer, known for his remixes for the likes of Alexi Delano & Vincenso as well as Mary J. Blige. He selected the track “Move,” adding an intensity and energy to the original version, reinventing it for the dancefloor as a soulful, deep house bombshell. Adventurous backing chords combine with filtered pads and other textures to support a strong vocal.
Reflex_Action // Pete Fletcher RMX - Pete Fletcher is a Glasgow based guitarist, composer/producer, and owner of NuJazzEurope, a label representing well known artists like Satoko Fujii, Raymond MacDonald, Marc Urselli in addition to his own productions. Pete’s treatment of the track “Re_Act” features unusual sound effects, voice-treatments, and screaming rock-fusion guitars, all of which appear in this slowly building and distinctive remix, before quietly fading out to a smooth and reflective mood. The result is intense and represents a celebration of the experimental side of jazz.
Red Rack’em (Smugglers Inn Radio) - “Really liking the Keyminator and the Pete Fletcher remixes on this - top stuff. Very musical. Nice to hear some real musicians making music instead of the usual load of Ableton loops.”
Hippie Torrales - “Nice package. ‘Fly5’ is trippin’.”
Matthias Kirsch (JazzRadio 106.8 FM, Berlin) - “Fresh take on a jazz classic. Great to start the night out.”
Anji Bee (The Chillcast) - “Gotta love the old school sounds of ‘Fly5’ and the deep house mix of ‘Move.’ Should fit nicely into The Chillcast.”
Dimitris Tzaninis (Hip Sound, Greece) - “Looking for freshness? Check Stefan Oberthaler’s Remix Virus 01!”