Record Reviews

ABERRATIO ICTUS ~ ICTUS IRRITUS WHYPLAYJAZZ 022 (Barcode: 4050486933633) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2014 - 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by the Aberratio IctusFind albums by this artist trio, which consists of Swiss vocalist Rea DubachFind albums by this artist, Swiss violinist Laura SchulerFind albums by this artist and German guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine pieces, two by Dubach, three each by Schuler and Graupe and one co-composed by all the trio members. The music is a unique amalgamation of many elements, combined into an Avant-Garde tapestry of sounds, which touches Folklore, Jazz and contemporary Chamber Classical music, but beats any attempt of classification. It offers very little melody as such, and rhythmically is uneven and sometimes almost chaotic; in short it is mainly concerned with momentary happenings rather than development which follows a pattern. As such it is very difficult to be absorbed by most conventional music listeners and has a very limited audience. That does not mean of course that this music is not interesting or not worth listening to, not at al; experienced Avant-Garde connoisseurs will find here many fascinating elements, both in the vocal explorations and the instrumental contributions, which are innovative, bold and even pioneering. Sadly such music falls into a very narrow niche as far as listeners are concerned and the dilemma between the musicians´ artistic integrity and their ability to communicate is perfectly demonstrated here. The aesthetics and the intellectual aspects of music like this one are often a subject of heated discussions between those who believe that music is all about communication between people and those who tend to think that it is a means of communication between a musician and his imagination. Regardless of what stand one takes, let´s remember that whatever was considered as Avant-Garde in the past often becomes the mainstream, often within a relatively short period of time. It gives me a lot of pleasure to see young musicians searching for their own voices, regardless of the consequences. Not less important is the fact that the WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label released this and many other unconventional music projects, with full awareness of the lack of their commercial potential. As long as we have musicians like these and record labels like this not everything is lost and our culture stands a chance of survival, at least for a while.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 27/06/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

FIELD ~ HEAL THE RICH WHYPLAYJAZZ 026 (Barcode: 4250459990360) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the second album by the German FieldFind albums by this artist quartet, led by saxophonist / composer Uli KempendorffFind albums by this artist, which also includes guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Jonas WestergaardFind albums by this artist and drummer Oliver SteidleFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions (one repeated twice), all by Kempendorff. The music is a vibrant and excellent example of contemporary European Jazz, which offers superb musicianship and intriguing contents bundled in an attractive albeit challenging exterior. Based on composed themes, the music tends to shift towards collective improvisation, which becomes very intensive at its apex, but retains an internal organization saving it from crossing over to chaos. The saxophone and the guitar exchange rapid licks between them on the up tempo swinging tunes, with the rhythm section supporting the soloist admirably. As usual the bass keeps the rhythm flow and the drums play around, often polyrhythmically. The more introvert pieces are also excellent, featuring much more expressive soloing by the leader and a laid back rhythm section, creating an atmosphere somewhat similar to the Scandinavian sound. Overall this is a very solid statement by excellent musicians, who know exactly how to express their ideas and how to play in ensemble setting, sharing responsibilities and inspiring each other. The atmosphere may sound cold and alienated at first, but in time the listener is drawn into the internal universe these musicians create. This album joins the rest of the catalogue offered by the excellent WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label, proudly representing new European Jazz created by young and upcoming musicians, which clearly points to the fact that this is where Jazz is at these days.

Updated: 13/06/2016Posted: 13/06/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

GROPPER / GRAUPE / LILLINGER ~ RIOT WHYPLAYJAZZ 030 (Barcode: 4250459990902) ~ GERMANY ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the sixth album by the German Avant-Garde trio, which exists since 2003, formerly known as Hyperactive KidFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Philipp GropperFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian LillingerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original pieces, four each by Gropper and Graupe and three by Lillinger. The trio decided to drop the Hyperactive Kid moniker and open a new chapter of their creative path, with an immediate result of going even further away from the conventional musical world into extreme Avant-Garde, which completely beats classification. One can hardly hear any melody, cohesive continuum or structural development in the trio´s music, only a sequence of sounds produced by the musicians, who interact which each other at times but soon seem to venture into individual explorations. The thin line between freedom and havoc can be defined here individually by every listener, as the music obviously refuses to set any boundaries itself. It is impossible to express any judgmental statement about such music simply for the luck of conventional criteria, which could be applied. Therefore the only reference should remain on the emotional level, basically concerning the fact if this music touches the listener at all, and if so, how profoundly. As a result my opinion in this case is truly irrelevant to other listeners, as everyone will be facing it completely differently on their own. One can only admire the consistence and the artistic courage displayed by these three still quite young musicians, who refuse to give up their individuality and pursue a path less traveled. This album is the thirtieth release on the extraordinary independent German WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label, run and owned by Roland SchulzFind albums by this artist, which sets an example of great taste and artistic courage since 2005. It is thanks to people like Schulz that European Jazz still manages to discover new territory day after day. Hats off!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 19/09/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN ~ CLOSE UP JAZZWERKSTATT 089 (Barcode: 4250079758487) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the second album by veteran German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist (born 1929) recorded with his sensational new (at the time) quartet, which features also the veteran bassist Johannes FinkFind albums by this artist and two excellent representatives of the young German Jazz scene, guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian LillingerFind albums by this artist. Another young and upcoming German musician, trumpeter Matthias SchrieflFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents nine pieces, eight of which are original compositions: five by Kuhn, two by Graupe and one by Fink. The remaining piece is a special arrangement of a standard. Kuhn´s musical life is almost completely parallel to the entire Jazz lifeline and he is one of the very few musicians, who managed to say "on top of things" for the entire duration of his life up to now. Anybody listening to this music, not aware of Kuhn´s biography, could easily assume that the clarinetist belongs to the same generation as his young quartet members, although they are separated by more that half a Century, which of course is absolutely amazing. The music is contemporary modern European Jazz, not entirely Free Form and including melodic themes, but performed completely openly, with huge degree of freedom allowed to all the participants. Full of virtuosic contributions by the leader and the rest of the crew, the music flows briskly and is over way too soon. There is not a dull moment on this album and the music is filled with elegance, typical European aesthetics and sophistication. Kuhn´s clarinet sound is completely unique and beautifully merges the long tradition of the instrument with contemporary approach. He is not only one of the most technically brilliant clarinetists, but more importantly is able to pour his soul into the instrument, producing a most heartwrenching sound, which is simply irresistible. This album is a must have for all European Jazz enthusiasts, clarinet lovers and connoisseurs of great music. It is recommended to check out this album´s predecessor entitled "RollercoasterFind albums with this title" and the brilliant 2015 release "StereoFind albums with this title", both recorded with the same quartet. Hats off!

Updated: 09/01/2017Posted: 09/01/2017

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN ~ ROLLERCOASTER JAZZWERKSTATT 039 (Barcode: 4250079758012) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 This is the debut album by veteran German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist (born 1929) recorded with his sensational new (at the time) quartet, which features also the veteran bassist Johannes FinkFind albums by this artist and two excellent representatives of the young German Jazz scene, guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian LillingerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine pieces, eight of which are original compositions: six by Kuhn, one by Graupe and one by Kuhn´s younger brother Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist. The remaining piece is a composition by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist. The creation of this quartet and the recording of this album mark a remarkable rejuvenation in Kuhn´s extraordinary career. Since his return to Germany in 1962 from his US stint, Kuhn has been on the forefront of European Jazz, taking part in the stylistic development of the genre from Swing to Free Jazz and Improvised Music. It was only natural that Kuhn, whose mindset was always completely separate from his biological age, would decide to play with the new generation of the flourishing German Jazz scene, and of course the decision paid off in full as this album explicitly emphasizes. The combination between Kuhn´s wonderful clarinet sound, which is still rooted in the Swing tradition, and the modern sound of the younger musicians, creates a beautiful amalgam, which is by far more powerful than the simple sum of its parts. This music still swings beautifully, but also has a lot of space and openness, which allows the musicians to stretch beyond the restrictions of straightforward Jazz and contribute some remarkable musical inventiveness. As usual, Kuhn´s superb compositions, which are the core of the music, provide ideal vehicles for the quartet to display its qualities in full, both as an ensemble and as individual players. The music is completely absorbing and uplifting on one hand, but also elegant and sophisticated on the other, which of course is everything one might hope for and what makes it so extraordinary. This album is a must have for all European Jazz enthusiasts, clarinet lovers and connoisseurs of great music. It is recommended to check out the second album entitled "Close UpFind albums with this title" and the brilliant 2015 release "StereoFind albums with this title", both recorded with the same quartet. Hats off!

Updated: 10/01/2017Posted: 10/01/2017

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN UNIT ~ STEREO MPS 4029759102908 (Barcode: 4029759102908) ~ GERMANY ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is a sensational album by veteran German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist and his quartet, which also includes guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist, bassist Johannes FinkFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian LillingerFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten pieces, six of which were composed by Kuhn, two by Graupe, one by Fink and one by Gordon JenkinsFind albums by this artist. The album´s liner notes are completely uninformative about all the relevant details, like who plays what, who composed what and when the music was record, which is a gross negligence. At least it states that the album was engineered by the legendary Walter QuintusFind albums by this artist, and it sounds accordingly amazing. Aged 85 at the time this music was recorded, Kuhn seems to be younger and more vigorous musically then all his contemporaries, and to be honest most other musicians way younger then him. This quartet incorporates two young Berlin based musicians, who are considered to be representatives of the "now" German Jazz scene, mostly playing extreme contemporary Avant-Garde (Graupe and Lillinger were members of Hyperactive KidFind albums by this artist now known as Gropper / Graupe / LillingerFind albums by this artist trio). Fink is a representative of the mid-generation and also mostly associated with Free Jazz. The sheer audacity to play along these musicians, many decades younger than him, and feel completely integrated with them makes Kuhn an absolute marvel. The music is completely up to date, amalgamating Free Jazz, some electronics, Avant-Garde and Jazz tradition. This is probably the most experimental album Kuhn ever recorded, even though he often flirted with Free Jazz during his extensive career. His presence influences Graupe and Lillinger to actually play melody and rhythm, which they almost never do in their organic environment. This means that although the music is very adventurous, it is completely coherent and accessible even to listeners who have little experience with music of this kind earlier on. More experienced listeners will discover a whole new universe of music herein, with layer upon layer of complexity and ingenuity. The individual statements and the interplay between the quartet members are among the most marvelous musical moments of contemporary European Jazz, which has no parallels. This music is beyond time and space and takes the listener on a voyage of endless possibilities. The life and work of Rolf Kuhn are a wonderful example of the limitless power of talent and mind over obstacles and limitations. His illustrious recorded legacy is an endless source of sublime musical pleasures and this album is simply the jewel in the crown, the cherry on top, the top of the heap… Thank you Rolf for so many years of musical joys; Hats off and may you live forever!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 23/09/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

OFF THE RECORD ~ THE CALL OUT OF THE SHED ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by the European Jazz quartet Off The RecordFind albums by this artist, led by German guitarist / composer Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist, which also includes Polish vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, British bassist Phil DonkinFind albums by this artist and German drummer Oliver SteidleFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen original compositions, all by the leader, first five and last nine grouped into two “mini-suites” and one solitary tune separating them. Graupe first came to my attention as a member of the (then) new quartet led by Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, which included two young German Jazz musicians. I followed his career via his later recordings for the excellent WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label, which documents the burgeoning young German scene, of which Steidle is also an important member. Bukowski is of course an old acquaintance and surely one of the very best European vibraphone players since many years. I am less informed of the activities of Donkin, although he seems to be frantically busy as well, but somehow his albums never reached me so far. The music is an excellent example of contemporary European Jazz, which is highly imaginative, exploring and inventive, rhythmically liberated and free-spirited, and yet completely coherent, and to some degree melody based. Guitar and vibraphone playing together always take me back five decades back to the prophetic Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist / Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist quartet recordings, which were Fusion precursors but never actually played Fusion per se, exactly what happens here. There is perhaps just a tinge of Fusiony moments, but none of its drudgery. The individual and group performances are of course stellar, but nothing less should be expected from these highly experienced musicians. Graupe made an excellent choice by taking Bukowski aboard, creating a magical amalgam not only of sounds but more importantly of ideas. The polyrhythmic pulsations delivered by the rhythm section fit this music like a glove and are a true delight from start to finish. Overall, this is European Jazz at its best, sophisticated and emotional, organized and free all in the best measures. This is definitely a piece of music modern Jazz lovers should put their hands on, with no regrets or hesitation whatsoever. Years of hard work and persistence pay off in music, and when combined with great amounts of talent, they work wonders.

Updated: 09/07/2022Posted: 09/07/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

BENJAMIN WEIDEKAMP ~ SERIELL, NICHT SERIOS WHYPLAYJAZZ 011 (Barcode: 4050486096789) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the German clarinetists / saxophonist / composer Benjamin WeidekampFind albums by this artist and his quartet, which also includes clarinetists / saxophonist Uli KempendorffFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian MarienFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Weidekamp and was recorded by the legendary Walter QuintusFind albums by this artist, with the sound quality of this recording being excellent, as expected. Active on the Berlin Jazz scene since the turn of the Millennium, Weidekamp was as the leader of several different ensembles (Odd ShotFind albums by this artist, Olaf TonFind albums by this artist, Stereo LisaFind albums by this artist) and participated in other Improvised Music ventures. He founded this quartet in 2010 but the debut recording followed only a few years later. The music presented on this album is very Avant-Garde, near the extreme edge of Improvised Music, which of course means that it is completely uncommunicative to the vast majority of the people, who listen to music, even the most open-minded among them. It is constructed of shredded melody pieces, often repeated continuously in a manner similar to minimalist / serial music, which seemingly have no beginning or end and stay on the same emotional level for extensive periods of time. Balinese and other Far East folkloristic motifs also come to mind as do many other Avant-Garde explorations, many of which were tried out already decades ago. As much as I support individuality and originality, this kind of extremism serves in my view only the musicians, who play this music, contributing very little to the actual aesthetics of music as such. Although some listeners might find this music interesting or even fascinating, it rests largely within the artistic self-indulgence zone. Of course it is also possible that I have no idea what I am talking about and this music simply is beyond my limited comprehension. Whichever way, I´ll probably not return to this album in the foreseeable future.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend