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

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

SAXOFOUR & MARIA JOAO ~ CINCO ATS 0744 (Barcode: 9005216007448) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2011 This is a stunning album by the Austrian saxophone quartet SaxofourFind albums by this artist, which consists 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, who between them play soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet and flute. On this album they combine forces with the wonderful Portuguese vocalist Maria JoaoFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve compositions, seven of which are by the great Portuguese pianist / composer Mario LaginhaFind albums by this artist, five are by the quartet members and one is a standard. Joao wrote the lyrics to three of the compositions. All the music was arranged by the quartet members. The music is an orgy of creativity and spontaneity, combining the exquisite sound created by the saxophone quartet with the extraordinary vocal pyrotechnics of Joao. Although seemingly lacking any rhythmic support, this music is full of polyrhythmic complexity, combining the familiar Jazz setting with the exotic South European vivacity. The saxophone quartet is capable of producing a rich and complex soundscape, combining the four individual instruments into an almost symphonic sound environment. The articulation and sophistication of these four superb musicians seems to have absolutely no limits. Joao is of course a living legend, one of the most original and forward thinking European Jazz personas, and most significantly one of the sublime vocal Jazz pioneers, who defined the contemporary role of human voice in Jazz, together with a small and exclusive group of other European female vocalists like Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist, Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist, Jeanne LeeFind albums by this artist and a few others. The twelve pieces on this album are all absolute gems with no weak moments whatsoever. The quartet weaves layers of melodic background, spiced with exciting improvisations, and Joao tops the bill with her idiosyncratic vocalese, which is so inventive and refined that it sends waves of pleasure shock down the listener´s spine. The symbiosis between the quartet and Joao is so organic and complete, that it is hard to believe this album was just a one-time cooperation. Overall the album is an exquisite example of European Jazz at its best, full of wonderful music and sublime performances, which should make even the most demanding Jazz connoisseurs completely happy. For vocal Jazz fans this is an absolute must of course, being one of the finest and most tasteful examples of musical ingenuity. Beyond essential!

Updated: 03/08/2019Posted: 03/08/2019

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend