Since its inception as a distinct musical genre in its own right, jazz has had many “styles” attributed to it.While such labels were useful to give an indication of what the listener could expect to hear, the reality was (and is) somewhat different. Jazz by its very nature is a rapidly evolving music and each … Read more
Jazz Disminuido is a recent album, led by the Mexican composer Jacobo Cerda in the company of his ensemble, Los Inoxidables, who –now in a trio format– came to stir our synapses with a bizarre picture of pure free improvisation. The fabric of this work ranges from a vast timbral transformation, achieved thanks to real-time … Read more
Dissonant, direct, disturbing, delightful when less indulgent in themes inspired seemingly from some Da Da-esque universe. My first exposure to this accomplished trio was via the release on Qobuz of “Where do adults come from?” I admit I did not enjoy the encounter. However Jazz is a multiverse to use that new meme and I … Read more
This is a joyful rendition of music to make your ears fall in love… We start with a playful interplay between a well crafted brush on snare, to a repost from a seemingly drunk bass, then in kicks the sax..seems tired matinee music, then think again, this is going to hook you. Andreas Fryland commands … Read more
‘It’s just really good fun, you know? Everything on it feels great and the tunes are fantastic.’ – Julien Wilson, speaking about his experience playing on Jamie Pregnell’s record ‘Sleepy Town’. This album, made up of cozy, sophistically arranged and executed originals, comes from the country’s southernmost state – Tasmania. Jamie [Guitar] has created a … Read more
Fresh Sound Records FSR 5123 The first time I saw Linus Eppinger on YouTube I thought “Chet Atkins, Jim Hall.” Linus doesn’t play like Chet but Linus’s guitar, a hollow body archtop, looked like something Chet played and there’s nothing “country” about Linus’s playing but he’s got this relaxed laidback feel that both Chet and … Read more
For six years we have been waiting for new recordings from Elma. After two well-received and widely acclaimed albums – “Hic et nunc” and “Ad rem” – the singer returns with a new project and a few unforeseen surprises. ELMA is this time the “trademark” of the entire quartet, formally linking the release with the … Read more
This article was originally published in Japanese in Jazz Japan vol.141 Michael Weiss, a pianist who has been active in New York since the 1980s, released a solo album for the first time in 19 years. Although this was proposed to him multiple times, Michael, who has a high reputation as a supporting player for … Read more
This article was originally published in Japanese in Jazz Japan vol.141 “Jazz Meets Classic” by a new generation of Danish guitarists focusing on music familiar that inspired them throughout their childhood… Jacob Artved initially demonstrated his admiration for modern jazz in his quartet’s live album featuring American drummer Louis Hayes at Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2019. … Read more
It’s a crux with jazz – as a rule, old acquaintances play and everyone applauds, whereas nobody sees those who are not yet introduced: nevertheless, they appear every now and then – and then some do what Gunter Hampel succeeded in doing: they burn into your memory. Although ambitious for the time – by German … Read more