Record Reviews

CHRISTIAN PABST ~ RHYTHM RIOT JAZZSICK 5186 (Barcode: 885150709191) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 - 2023 Released: 2025 This is an album by German (resident in Italy) Jazz pianist / composer Christian PabstFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with German bassist Andre NendzaFind albums by this artist and Dutch drummer Erik KoogerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by the leader. The music is a wonderful example of modern European Jazz, with strong melodic themes, which are treated with a very open approach, which enables all three musicians to fully express themselves, without breaking the basic “rules”, but at the same time allowing very personal interpretations of the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures. The trio functions on a very symbiotic level, performing fully as a tight ensemble, rather than a piano accompanied by a rhythm section, which is typical of the European approach. As the title suggests, this album is much more dedicated to the rhythmic pulsations than the melodic themes, which become somewhat secondary, but still being beautifully melodic. The entire experiment is of course much more demanding from the rhythm section, which in this case does not seem to mind at all, and stands up to the challenge without a hitch. Overall, this is another wonderful album by Pabst, who is one of my favorite contemporary German pianists. This material, recorded a while ago, is most welcome release, as I always enjoy Pabst’s music and performances unconditionally, and he never fails to deliver. For Jazz piano trio lovers, this is a true gem, worth digging for!

Updated: 20/04/2025Posted: 20/04/2025

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PHILIPP VAN ENDERT ~ TRIO JAZZSICK 5007 (Barcode: 718750986726) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This is an album be German Jazz guitarist / composer Philipp Van EndertFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio, which includes bassist Andre NendzaFind albums by this artist and drummer Kurt BillkerFind albums by this artist. British trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist guests on four tracks and saxophonist Rob HallFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, three of which are original compositions by Van Endert, one is by Nendza and the rest are standards. The music is strictly within the mainstream Jazz tradition, and all the performances are exactly what one would expect from professional musicians, with the exception of the trumpet parts by Wheeler, which are, as always superb and the worth having the album in one’s collection. Van Endert has a very good technique and his guitar sound, although electric, manages to avoid the Fusion mannerisms, staying within pure Jazz environment. Nendza is a prolific bassist, who holds the music together and plays some nice solo parts. Overall, although not exceptional, the album is worth having, especially for Wheeler completists, like myself, as his playing here is as great as always.

Updated: 06/06/2025Posted: 06/06/2025

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