THE PIONEER IN EUROPEAN BOOKING FOR OVER 45 YEARS
Since 1974 Gabriele Kleinschmidt Promotions, based in West Germany, has been responsible for the organization of major European tours by some of the most celebrated and distinguished artists in jazz and its associated contemporary music forms.
From George Adams to Attila Zoller, from Argentina’s Astar Piazzola to Cuba’s Paquito d’Rivera to South Africa’s Adbullah lbrahim, GKP has built an unrivaled reputation as one of the most experienced, dependable, innovative and enterprising jazz booking agencies in Europe, bringing a wide-ranging roster of jazz artists to the largest possible public.
Gabriele Kleinschmidt Promotions is a tried and tested organization which not only handles some of the most famous names in jazz but also has a keen eye, and an educated ear, for up-and-coming future stars. GKP, above all, is an outstandingly creative agency which is constantly seeking and developing new concepts in jazz presentation, whether it be imaginative re-creations of historic jazz repertory or the bringing together of exceptionally talented musicians in new and interesting combinations.
Since the mid-seventies, GKP has organised highly successful tours for hundreds of leading musicians and groups and has built its sound reputation an attention to details and a respect for the dignity and integrity of the creative arts.
“In everything we da,” says Gabriele Kleinschmidt, “consideration for the artist is paramount. We know that if the artist feels comfortable and secure, if he can depend an sensible transportation arrangements, tour schedules that leave reasonable time for rest and relaxation, good hotel accommodation and bookings at pleasant venues, then he will be operating in an environment which is most conducive to his creativity. “Of course, the economics of jazz tours in Europe mean that sometimes lang periods of time have to be spent an the road, but we da everything we can to make the travel. arrangements as trouble-free as possible.” Not only has GKP excelled in presenting some of the “household names” of jazz over the years, but the organization has also pioneered the presentation of musicians whose artistic merit and creative vitality far exceed their public reputation.
lt was GKP that brought to Europe the remarkable Lester Bowie concept, From The Roots Ta The Source, in 1981 ; it was GKP that organized the European tour of Cecil Taylor’s ballet project in 1982; it was GKP that set up the European tour for Abdullah lbrahim’s opera, “Kalahari” in 1983. And GKP has also been involved in such imaginative projects as Max Roach’s all-percussion extravaganza, M’boom, the West meets East encounter of John Handy and Ali Akbar Khan, Karl Berger’s Woodstock Orchestra, the unique Vocal Summit group and Cecil Taylor’s Music From Two Continents with Tomasz Stanko and Gunter Hampel.
GKP has supplied artists for every major jazz festival and venue in Europe and ranks today as one of the most versatile, efficient and experienced booking agencies in the business, with a matchless reputation for integrity and concern for the creative environment of the artist.
The Artist´s Viewpoint
The best evaluation of the worth of a talent booking agency is that of the artists it works with. Here are some comments from musicians — and one famous jazz impresario — whose tours have been organized by Gabriele Kleinschmidt Promotions…
“I have worked with Gaby Kleinschmidt for more than thirty years. She is more sensitive to the musicians than most people in her business, very loyal and, as we say in the States, a real straight-shooter. She brings to her profession a particular kind of concern and respect for the artist that is rarely found among agent and promoters.”
Larry Coryell
“When GKP handles my European tours, 1 know that I don’t have to worry about the transport and hotel arrangements. 1 can concentrate an the music. Gaby is a real professional. The fact that I have been with GKP for more so many years speaks for itself.”
Joe Henderson
“I have worked with Gaby Kleinschmidt for many years and I respect her because she has complete integrity, compassion for the artist and a deep understanding of the music. That is why it is always a joy to work with her.”
Max Roach
„We have been professional musicians and performers for many decades now and we have worked all over the world with many promoters and booking agencies, Since 1980 we have worked with Gaby Kleinschmidt an all our European tours and we have never had any major problems. She is the most honest booking agent we have ever met and always gives her best to all her artists.”
Airto Moreira and Flora Purim
“Gaby Kleinschmidt is doing a great job for jazz by introducing such a wide variety of musicians to the European public. 1 have been happy to work with her for many years. She really cares about the music.”
Albert Mangelsdorff
“Gaby Kleinschmidt shows insight and understanding of my music and she puts artistic endeavour before commercial considerations. lt is no easy job for a booking agency to move 12 or 24 people around Europe, but Gaby manages it with efficiency and good nature. She does a fine job. She really feels the music and l’m happy to have her represent me.”
Sun Ra
“The one thing that Gaby Kleinschmidt loves more than her work is the music that she sells”.
George Wein
Wir trauern um eine großartige Frau und das Herz und die Seele von GKP Promotions. Mit ihrer warmherzigen natürlichen und auch immer mütterlichen Art hat sie nicht nur in der Jazzwelt deutliche Spuren hinterlassen.
Wir vermissen Sie unendlich und werden sie immer in unserem Herzen behalten.
We mourn the loss of a great woman and the HEART & SOUL of GKP Promotions. With her warm-hearted natural and motherly manner, she left clear marks not only in the jazz world.
We miss her immensely and will always keep her in our hearts.