Record Reviews

STEPHAN BRAUN / MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ KEEP ON TURNIN` ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 6 (Barcode: 5907222048061) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by the Jazz duo comprising of German cellist Stephan BraunFind albums by this artist and Polish violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven pieces, two of which are original compositions (one each), one is a standard and the rest are arrangements of Funk / Fusion compositions, arranged by Braun (except for two arranged by Smoczynski). The limited instrumentation does not seem to have any meaning as far as the duo is concerned, and with the help of some percussive trinkets and little electronics the duo sounds like a full orchestra, very far from the timid image of the string instruments. The idea to concentrate on the well known Funk / Fusion pieces, originally performed by such masters of genre like Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist, Steps AheadFind albums by this artist, John ScofieldFind albums by this artist and others, is especially surprising and creates a delightful and completely different treatment of the familiar music presented in a new environment. The newly arranged music does not miss an iota of the original Funkiness and feel and still sounds like it could move mountains. Smoczynski, not surprisingly, pays tribute to his idol, the Polish violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, by including one tune from Seifert´s iconic album "Man Of The LightFind albums with this title". Obviously these radical new arrangements and instrumentation disclose new aspects of the music, which might have been previously hidden from the ear, as well as showcase the incredible virtuosity of the two participants, which is unparalleled. The album proudly joins the highly respected idiom of "Art of the Duo", which often produces more enthralling music than much larger ensembles. Overall this is a brilliant piece of highly unusual music, superbly executed and intelligently put together, which emphasizes the sophistication of European Jazz at its best. Hopefully this recording will not be the only record of this duo´s abilities and talents. Hats off Gentlemen!

Updated: 08/01/2021Posted: 08/01/2021

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MANFRED PAUL WEINBERGER / STEPHAN BRAUN ~ CONFIDENCE ATS 0979 (Barcode: 9005216009794) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by the duo comprising of Austrian trumpeter / composer Manfred Paul WeinbergerFind albums by this artist and German cellist / composer Stephan BraunFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, ten of which are original compositions (seven by Weinberger and three by Braun) and two are Jazz standards (one by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and another by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist). The music is a classic “Art of the Duo” setting, which manages to overcome the obvious limitations and despite the minimalist format creates rich and diverse musical vistas. The fact that Braun applies many different techniques to his 5-string cello, making it sound like several different instruments, as well as his use of some electronics and percussion, add up to a much more versatile effect that expected. As a result, the music flows and changes continuously, keeping the listener on his toes. Weinberger is an excellent trumpeter and this minimalist setting does not limit him at all, enabling him to utilize his wonderfully lyrical tone and brilliant technique. Overall, this is a very pleasant and highly interesting album, which takes the listener to visit and experience a wide range of moods and tonalities, and despite the unusual instrumentation is able to sound familiar and absorbing. For Jazz listeners, who like the duo setting, this is especially a worthwhile new experience, but all Jazz listeners should find here something to their liking. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 23/02/2022Posted: 23/02/2022

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