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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