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Artist
Kai Warner
12+ albums
instrumentaleasy listeningnot streamablespotifyMelodieFM
about
Kai Warner (born October 27, 1926 in Bremen, died July 9, 1982 in Hamburg), real name Werner Last, was a German musician. Warner took piano lessons from Ernst Weelen and received theory instruction from the Reger and Humperdinck student Richard Bulling. After the war, Werner Last appeared as a trombonist along with his brothers Hans (bassist, later known as James Last) and Robert Last (drummer) in Bremen music halls and in the American clubs in the vicinity of Bremerhaven. At this point, he was discovered by the composer and manager Friedrich Meyer and hired for the newly-formed dance orchestra of Radio Bremen. The Last brothers became well-known as members of the Last-Becker Ensemble. Werner Last found his first success as an arranger. After the disbandment of the Bremen dance orchestra in 1948, he played for a time in a 12-man band, then went to seek his fortune in the USA. Before this, he married the 18-year-old Hjördis Harlow, an American of Norwegian descent. From this marriage came two sons, Steven and Werner. In the USA, Werner had to make his living as a casual labourer for several months before he was admitted into the New York musician's union. As a trombonist, he belonged to several renowned big bands. As well, he studied music theory at New York University with Schillinger professor Rudolf Schramm. In 1958, Werner Last returned to Germany and arranged numerous film scores. In 1966 he signed a contract as a producer with Polydor; he discovered and produced Rena
