Record Reviews

EDI KOHLDORFER ~ THE RIDDANCE ATS 0988 (Barcode: 9005216009886) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Austrian guitarist / composer Edi KohldorferFind albums by this artist, recorded with no less than twenty-six musicians from four continents, presents ten original compositions by Kohldorfer. It was recorded during the pandemic of 2021 and the tracks were contributed by musicians performing remotely in their home recording studios, which became common modus operandi for many musicians during that time. The music is all melody based and offers a strong Jazz undercurrent, with many World Music influences, some Blues, Fusion and other elements also present, creating a very pleasant cross-genre listening experience, on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum. The contributions by all the participating musicians and of course primarily the guitar playing by Kohldorfer, are all splendidly executed and the album offers enough diversity and mood swings to keep the listener interested from start to finish. Overall, this is a very nice Jazz-World Fusion album, which offers beautiful melodies and passionate performances, which should make many Jazz / Fusion / World Music enthusiasts very happy. Although on the lighter scale of the Jazz spectrum, it makes no compromises as far as quality and professionalism are concerned.

Updated: 07/10/2022Posted: 07/10/2022

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EDI KOHLDORFER TRIO ~ HOVER ATS 1012 (Barcode: 9005216010127) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by Austrian Jazz guitarist / composer Edi KohldorferFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Martin HeinzleFind albums by this artist and drummer Harry TanschekFind albums by this artist. A couple of guest musicians serve as an alternative rhythm section on three tracks. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by the leader. The music is all beautifully melodic, delicate and relaxed, with strong World Music influences on several of the tracks. The electric guitar sound as acoustic as possible, with a dash of echo and reverb, but basically very clean and straightforward, which sounds perhaps a bit nostalgic but offers the full beauty of the instrument, which has been pretty much stamped on over the years. As a result, the album sounds in many respects like the music played by the early Masters of Jazz guitar some five decades ago, and I mean this as a true compliment. The rhythm section is in perfect sync with the leader, playing exactly what is best for this kind of music, most importantly complimenting the guitar respectfully and not trying to overshadow it. The resulting sound is just what the doctor prescribed, as far as a guitar trio album is concerned, enabling the leader to show his chops in many different styles and techniques, without becoming a showoff, which guitar albums have often a tendency to do. Overall, this is a wonderful Jazz guitar album, of great sophistication and beauty rarely heard these days, which perfectly presents the composing skills and the virtuosity of the leader and manages to eschew all the traps of guitar albums. This is first and foremost great music, which is a true pleasure to listen to, with absolutely no BS attitude. For Jazz guitar lovers this is an absolute eye (ear) opener, but all Jazz fans should be delighted by the result. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 23/04/2024Posted: 23/04/2024

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KUHTRIO ~ OLD SOULS ATS 0955 (Barcode: 9005216009558) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by the Austrian / Czech Jazz trio, called KUHtrioFind albums by this artist, which comprises of Austrian guitarist / composer Edi KohldorferFind albums by this artist and veteran Czech rhythm section with bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, five each by Kohldorfer and Uhlir. The music is all modern mainstream Jazz, with excellent compositions, which are diverse enough to keep the listener fascinated for the entire duration. Although guitar trios are often problematic as far creating a sustained attentiveness, this album passes this test with distinction. It is obvious that these musicians have a great fun playing together, which always contributes to the result. Uhlir is a phenomenal player, one of my favorite bassist, and his technique and feeling are always shining. Helesic is also a great drummer, but here he shows restraint most of the time, as required by the circumstances. In contrast to the two Czechs, with whom I have been familiar since decades, I was not exposed to Kohldorfer earlier on, but he turns out to be a bona fide Jazz guitarist, playing notes and chords with the same confidence and refined technique. Overall, this is a classic Jazz guitar trio album, with excellent original compositions and superb performances. Since great guitar trio albums are relatively rare these days, it is even more fun to listen to this music, which proudly continues the tradition. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 20/10/2022Posted: 20/10/2022

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