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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CHRISTIAN PABST ~ THE PALM TREE LINE JAZZSICK 5170 (Barcode: 885150706411) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 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 Italian bassist Francesco PierottiFind albums by this artist and drummer Lorenzo BrilliFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Ilaria ForcinitiFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks and accordionist Federico GiliFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents eight tracks, one of which is an original composition by Pabst and the rest originate from various sources. As the album’s title suggests, the inspiration and the music on this album originates from the “south”, i.e. places where palm trees grow (Italy, Cuba Mexico, etc.), and as a person who sees palm trees from the windows of his house I couldn’t feel more agreeable ;) The arrangements often take the music away from the familiar origins, but the southern spirit, slightly Latin, somewhat romantic, at other times soaring, is “in the air” at all times, creating a wonderful journey spiced with beautiful melodies and Jazzy ornaments. The rhythm section is perfect for the task, with wonderfully warm bass lines and delicate drums parts, which drive the piano lines to safe shores. Pabst is a true romantic, with a great touch on the keyboards, which one would not expect normally from a Northerner (scusi). The guests add the proverbial cherry on top, and the entire album is simply a delight, to be accepted with a smile. Overall, this is a perfect example of Jazz, which is both highly entertaining and sophisticated, without any aesthetic compromises. The performances are brilliant, but not overbearing, the atmosphere is informal, but highly professional, in short this is the way we Southerners treat life – seriously, but with pleasure. I loved this album from start to finish!

Updated: 05/02/2024Posted: 05/02/2024

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LUBOS SOUKUP ~ THROUGH THE MIRROR ANIMAL MUSIC 038 (Barcode: 8594155997022) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 - 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album as a leader by Czech saxophonist / composer Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which also includes German pianist Christian PabstFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Joel IllerhagFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Morten HaesumFind albums by this artist. The lineup is expanded by the addition of a not less international six-piece horn section and a Czech string quartet. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Soukup. The music is a wonderful example of modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions, which amalgamate some glimpses of European Classical Music influences and Jazz ensemble music, brilliantly arranged and perfectly executed by these, mostly young but already very experienced and well educated musicians. Soukup demonstrates his highly unusual melody weaving skills, which have been amply reflected by his work in the years since this album was released, both on his own recordings and albums with other people. He is a member of the Prague SixFind albums by this artist composers’ collective, whose work was wonderfully recorded by the Czech Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist (of which he is also a member), the Inner SpacesFind albums by this artist quintet and other ensembles and in the last few years he is definitely one of the most active and prolific figures on the Czech Jazz scene. The scope of the music is pretty amazing, elegantly floating between the more Jazz oriented pieces, performed by the ensemble and the more somber Classical oriented compositions, performed by the string quartet, but always keeping the listener mesmerized by the depth of the music and the intricate / multi-level arrangements, which become an intrinsic part of the concept that Soukup is trying to create on this album. Considering the fact that he was only twenty-seven at the time this music was recorded, the achievement is even more impressive. Overall this is a very striking piece of European Music, which exemplifies not only the incredible powers of these individuals but also their unprecedented ability to join forces in international projects, like this one, which are very common in the last decade in the borderless Europe. Soukup is definitely a musician / composer worthy of being followed by lovers of European Jazz and all his recordings deserve attention. Hats off!

Updated: 07/05/2021Posted: 07/05/2021

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