“Hi Länder” is the latest single from the forthcoming FUNKOPIA LP, set for release on October 3, just ahead of Redtenbacher’s Funkestra’s UK tour. The track is a high-octane instrumental Jazz-Funk ride, brimming with groove, precision, and international flair – perfect for fans of soaring tenor saxophone, searing guitar solos, and OTT drum performances.
A Decade-Long Musical Friendship
This single is the result of a long-standing collaboration between Funkestra leader Stefan Redtenbacher and Austrian saxophonist and Jazzodrome bandleader Andreas See. Their creative journey began over a decade ago when Andreas contacted Stefan after seeing YouTube videos of him interviewing and recording Tower of Power’s legendary saxophonist Lenny Pickett in New York for the Funkestra album The Cooker.
Since then, the two have become close friends and frequent collaborators, working on projects such as Backwood Five, composing music for Young Drummer of the Year, and arranging for the Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra.
About the Title
“Hi Länder” works on multiple levels. First, there’s the obvious nod to the classic 1986 film Highlander starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery – complete with the famous catchphrase “There can only be one.” From Stefan’s perspective, Andreas is indeed one of a kind when it comes to crafting evocative, soaring, and irresistibly melodic lines within a Jazz setting.
On another layer, “High Land” can be seen as a playful reference to Upper Austria, where both Andreas and Stefan share family roots. The choice of the German Umlaut ä in “Länder” was no small debate – should it be “a”, “ae”, or the authentic “ä”? In the end, authenticity won. Not that we’re finickity about details – of course not… 😄
About the Track
“Hi Länder” captures the electric chemistry between Stefan and Andreas, rooted in their decade-long UK–Austrian friendship. Andreas’ fiery saxophone lines are matched with Carter Arrington’s (US) funky guitar comparing and powerful solo. Doug Harper’s (UK) took the instruction ‘GO APE’ really well and laid down some riveting drums. Fergus Gerrand (UK) adds percussive colour, including Glockenspiel (he has some fast hands). Dave Limina’s (US) Rhodes and Hammond brings ‘expensive chords’ and rich harmonic depth. Together, these UK, Austrian, and US musicians create a global Jazz-Funk sound — a groove-filled celebration of international collaboration.
Stefan about Andi’s playing:
“Andi plays a cracker of a tenor sax solo and does what he does best – paints a melodic landscape with plenty of excitement and grit. No mean feat!”
Musicians (in alphabetical order of last name)
- Carter Arrington (US) – guitar
- Fergus Gerrand (UK) – percussion
- Doug Harper (UK) – drums
- Dave Limina (US) – Rhodes, Hammond
- Stefan Redtenbacher (UK/Austria) – bass
- Andreas See (Austria) – saxophones
Production Credits
- Recorded & mixed by James Welch (Masterlink Productions)
- Mastered by Tim Debney (Fluid Mastering)
- Written, arranged & produced by Stefan Redtenbacher & Andreas See
- Graphic design by Neil J Hart
- Photography by Monica Dart (from the inner sleeve of ‘Falling From Insanity’ album)