On this page you find extracts from press reviews and articels on various cj appearance concerts and gigs. Please consider that the lacking of critics from 1992-99 reflects exactly our absence from stage due to longer stays in foreign countries.

Friedrichsdorfer News. May 21, 2002.
"... The musicians were rewarded with a lot of applause from an enthusiastic audience of all age levels. The charming duo was not allowed to leave the stage without several bonus songs. The sound mixer all of a sudden entered the stage and showed to be a gifted bass player. He joined in for a spontaneous jam session..."

Taunuskurier. May 20, 2002.
"... A fresh and modern sound. The duo befourhand with Jens Dietrich and Claus Bauer, both playing the piano very emotionally and giving a virtuoso performance, presented their jazz improvisations and arrangements according to their quote new wibe ahead ... The discerned listener immediately realised that their music is difficult to link to a certain style. It is rather impossible to draw a parallel to the music of former or existing jazz celebrities. CJ's music style is original and unique ..."

Frankfurter Rundschau. Oktober 10, 2001.
"...Claus Bauer and Jens Dietrich had their premiere with an unusal and musically impressive music project called 'befourhand'. Jazz, pop and classical elements seemed to blend into one new music style. The variety of different compositions and improvisations impressed the audience and was performed very professionally and full of atmosphere. The playing of the music was fitting to it's character. There is certainly more to be expected from Bauer and Dietrich ..."

FNP. December 04, 2000
"... There is an impressive variety of ideas and emotional variations in the music of Jens Dietrich and Claus Bauer: In the one moment the audience is grooving to the Jazz pieces Get Goin' and Fancy You, whereas with other four hand played piano music pieces like You There and Beginnings as well as the song Standing In The Rain a tense and almost sentimental atmosphere amongst the listeners is created ..."

Wetterauer Zeitung. May 08, 2000.
"...A concert that consists of a mixture of different musical styles which could also be well linked to film music with a hint of classic, pop or jazz elements ... Both pianists discovered their common talent for piano improvisations at school during music lessons ("It was so boring, we just had to find each other!") Both studied piano music for many years. Their love for the instrument is reflected in their playing: here they are in their element ..."

Wetterauer Zeitung. October 26, 1999.
"...The duo Bauer and Dietrich electrified the audience during an arts evening in the community centre of Karben ... Jens Dietrich and Claus Bauer offer extraordinary music, influenced by ragtime, blues and beat combined with elegant melody phrases and brilliant runs in the descants with classical degrees of difficulties. Both artists insist on common individuality. For this reason it is almost self understood that all compositions are born out of their own creativity. All piano music with improvisations and solos is happening in the very moment when it is played. Therefore every gig is an individiual music event ..."

Frankfurter Rundschau. September 27, 1999.
"...The artists improvise together or alone: thoughtful ballads, jazz, loud hard rock and sweet symphonies. All titles are well composed by the musicians ... When Jens Dietrich wrinkles his forehead and closes his eyes while singing "When She Smiles" with a longing voice - right then the blues becomes authentic ... The silent tones are the strength of the duo ..."

Taunuszeitung. March 20, 1992.
"...The concerts of two young artists who are already known to adults and kids in the region of Friedrichsdorf for some time have become crowded events ... Classical piano and organ sounds alternate with very modern synthesizer melodies ... Ingo Römling who is the sound mixer of the duo is also a talented bass player ... Both musicians say that their music is influenced by Keith Jarrett and Pat Metheny ..."

Taunuskurier. November 19, 1991.
"... An outburst of emotions ... Pure piano music or sound generated from the micro chip, no matter whether Bauer and Dietrich are playing together or alone - the audience is spell bound."

Taunuszeitung. November 16, 1990.
"..An excellently harmonizing duo at the piano ... Whether four-handed or solo: the created harmony as a mixture of serious and light music in a modern style was greatly appreciated by an excited audience..."