Thursday, September 04, 2014

New Releases: SHAFTON THOMAS GROUP - Get Start!; DIMITRIHE VASILJEVIC - Metaphor; MARTIN KERN BAND - Now Is The Music

SHAFTON THOMAS GROUP – GET START!

Shafton Thomas Group (STG) is an original, Toronto-based modern jazz group whose melodic agility and powerful grooves bends minds and bobs heads. Comprised of Shafton Thomas on bass and compositions, Kristjan Bergey on tenor sax, Paul Morrison on keys, and Mackenzie Longpre on drums, they are breaking down the walls between challenging improvised performances and fun-loving audiences. Defined by a penchant for percolating, ever-shifting odd meters, catchy melodies, deep grooves and stimulating solos, their unrelenting group interplay bridges the gaps between bebop, breakbeat-tinged drum 'n' bass, soul/R'n'B and aggressive indie rock. Difficult to truly categorize, they affectionately refer to their eclectic yet unified sound as "arena jazz". ~ CD Universe

DIMITRIJE VASILJEVIC - METAPHOR

Dimitrije Vasiljevic's jazz album "Metaphor" brings a fresh treatment of solo piano as a device of compositional expression. Through the clear presentation of somewhat dreamy yet confident celebration of piano sound, "Metaphor" successfully blends modern jazz language, impressionistic harmonies and Balkan rhythms. Through a wide palette of moods and colors, "Metaphor" depicts a lyrical story about a search for inner worlds and their emotional vigor using the power of jazz in a very personal way. ~ CD Universe




MARTIN KERN BAND – NOW IS THE MUSIC

Music should make you feel more alive - not yesterday, not tomorrow, not next year when the time is right, but now. This was the idea behind Martin Kern's latest album. For this new effort the saxophonist and composer wanted to combine the traditional playing he admires in the greats with the very relevant influences of his own time to create a music at once immediate and timeless. All the songs were composed in a relatively short time frame giving the whole album a cohesive flow whereby each subsequent song complements and further fulfills the purpose of the one before it. To produce a more organic sound the session was recorded completely on analogue equipment over the course of just two days. Often the most fulfilling moments in a performance are those that have not been carefully premeditated and mapped out. In this case the musical arrangement is used as a vehicle to facilitate inspiration rather than dictate to it or take centre stage. Instead the focus here is on improvisation and playing the moment, hence the title. He had the great pleasure and opportunity to work with a very solid band of passionate musicians capable of executing his vision. Pianist Michelangelo Mazzari came to Berlin in 2008 and quickly drew attention with his very unique, imaginative and generous style. Bassist Ed Schuller from New York can be heard in countless clubs around the world playing with the greats of jazz. He complements his steady groove while comping with some excellent and imaginative solo work. Drummer Kenny Martin, originally from New York as well and a Berliner by choice since a long time, pushes the band with his well-rounded and dynamic style, and keeps the tension high. He, like Ed, also played on the last CD "Visions". Trumpeter Christian Grabandt shines with a melodic and full tone as well as some very clear lines. He blends in perfectly with the sound of the tenor.  Martin Kern received his musical education in Bern, Paris and in real life club situations in New York, Zi¼rich and of course his former home of 10 years, Berlin. He now lives and works in Vienna where he continues on his musical journey benefiting particularly from the cultural and musical legacy there.  ~ CD Universe

 


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