Ratzer, Karl#
Ratzer, Karl, b. Vienna, July 4, 1950, one of Austria´s most renowned jazz musicians; gravitates between blues, jazz, funk and pop; composer. Began his career as a jazz guitarist in Vienna at the age of 15; 1972 moved to Atlanta (participated in the project Rufus & Chaka Khan); 1977-1980 bandleader in New York; worked with Art Farmer, Chet Baker, Joe Farrell and Steve Grossman; 1981 returned to Europe; 1991 established the band Beat the Heat; 1996 became the first Austrian to sign a recording contract with the jazz label Enja-Records; since 1999 visiting professor at the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz.
Works (records/CDs): In Search of the Ghost, 1978; Street Talk, 1979;
Bayou, 1993; Coasting, 1995; Saturn Returning, 1996; Moon Dancer,
1998.