Jazz_lokal"Jazz Lokal" with "savoir vivre" - a new sound with proven means
Sounds come and go, and jazz fans are well aware that it is difficult to discover something truly new on the market. When one does, however, you tend to listen more attentively when it reaches your ear; something which combines everything you have waited so long for: a classical background and seasoned style with fresh compositions, all spiced up with new elements and classy craftsmanship.
Wuppertal, the centre of life and work for Bert Fastenrath (guitar), Martin Zobel (tp, flh), Andy Gillmann (dr) and Carsten Stüwe (org) is home to well over half a century of the best in jazz tradition and innovation. Just think of the big names like Ernst Höllerhagen, Wolfgang Sauer, Peter Kowald, Peter Brötzmann and many others from the "factory town on the Wupper" (Paul Zech) who have gone down in the annals of German and international jazz. The quartet’s unassuming nature can even be felt in their name "Jazz lokal" – it does not seem to want to break any boundaries. However, from the first chord of their grandiose album, they break the mould completely with verve and warmth, a wealth of ideas and a depth of feeling that gets under your skin. This is a work of international quality. "Savoir vivre" - the art of fine living.
Martin Zobel, in my opinion one of the best German flugelhorn virtuosos, successfully walks a musical tightrope between the lyricism of Chet Baker and the drama of Miles Davis's "Sketches of Spain" in the album opener "Lost" (Gillmann), all to the soft background of Bert Fastenrath’s guitar, Andy Gillmann’s subtle use of percussion, and Carsten Stüwe’s brilliant 60s sounding organ. They all take turns featuring on the captivating solos. Carsten Stüwe allows the organ to retake the popular position it held in 60's jazz thanks to Jimmy McGriff and Jimmy Smith - a wonderful trip back in time. Andy Gillmann is brilliant on the drums; the rhythmic possibilities he creates with his beats and light brush playing appear endless. Bert Fastenrath softly conjures away on his signature Pat Martino Gibson, which he lets swing and converse entrancingly.
It is "music you can listen to at any opportunity without becoming 'elevator-jazz ', and which will appeal to a wide range of listeners with standards and taste" says label CEO Thilo Berg. This is exactly the point. All thirteen tracks are highly aesthetic in terms of playing and arrangement, and fulfill their own quality standards magnificently. "Glad to see you," is the title given to one track by Andy Gillmann - "Glad to hear you" can be gratefully answered back by the listener. Savoir vivre? É voila!
Frank Becker
(Freelance journalist - Wuppertal)