Record Reviews

SAXOFOUR ~ CELEBRATING THE JOY OF LIFE SKYLARK 2102 (Barcode: 9005216119042) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the thirteenth album by Austrian Jazz ensemble SaxofourFind albums by this artist, which not surprisingly is a saxophone quartet comprising of Florian BrambockFind albums by this artist, Klaus DickbauerFind albums by this artist, Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang PuschingFind albums by this artist. Between them they play all the possible saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet and flute and of course compose their original material. For this album they are expanded to a sextet by bassist Robert RieglerFind albums by this artist and drummer Wolfgang RainerFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen original compositions by the quartet members and celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the quartet existence. Saxofour are undoubtedly a very unique saxophone quartet among other (mostly American) such ensembles, since they are able to create a truly amazing orchestral sound and ambience due to the wide range of instruments they are able to utilize and the devilishly clever and intricate arrangements. This often results in the quartet sounding closer to a Jazz Big Band rather than a quartet, especially on this album with the addition of the rhythm section. Each of the quartet members participates in many other activities on the Austrian Jazz scene, composes and teaches music, all being amongst the most respected Jazz personalities in their country. Maurer is a leader and founder of the fabulous Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist and the other three were members of the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, one of Europe’s most important Jazz ensembles of all time. The music is, as expected, absolutely delightful, spanning a wide and diverse range of stylistic characteristics, but always superbly crafted and perfectly executed. The rhythm section is wonderfully merged with the saxophone quartet, enriching the music significantly, especially by the beautiful fretless bass parts. Overall, this is a beautiful example of European Jazz at its best, which offers elegance, sophistication and intelligence rarely found elsewhere. True Jazz lovers should be absolutely delighted by this music from start to finish, as it really helps to celebrate the joy of life!

Updated: 24/08/2024Posted: 10/11/2021

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ZWEIMAURER ~ JUMBLE ATS 1016 (Barcode: 9005216010165) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by the Austrian Jazz quartet co-led by pianist / vocalist / composer Anna MaurerFind albums by this artist and her father saxophonist / composer / bandleader Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, jokingly christened ZweimaurerFind albums by this artist (two Maurers). The rhythm section comprises of bass guitarist Robert RieglerFind albums by this artist and drummer Wolfgang RainerFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, five composed by Anna Maurer, four by Christian Maurer and one is a standard. The music is all wonderfully melodic and mostly up-tempo mainstream Jazz, excellently performed by the quartet and sparkling with energy and vigor. Christian is a superb saxophonist, with years of experience playing with the best musicians in Europe. The young Anna follows her Father in his Jazz footsteps with obvious talent and youthful Groove. Riegler is a monster bass guitar virtuoso, with a Funky / Fusiony feel, which kicks the music forward, and finally Rainer adds an energetic rhythmic drums layer, to make everything work like a clockwork from the neighboring Switzerland. Overall, this is a truly delightful album, which takes the listener on a hurricane driven ride from one tune to the next, full of beautiful melodies and precise execution, which is a breeze of fresh air in the almost lethargic atmosphere that rules in contemporary Jazz. The music is exciting and highly entertaining, without compromising any artistic standards, and offers a delightful listening experience in today’s gloomy reality. Well done!

Updated: 24/08/2024Posted: 24/08/2024

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