Tobias Meinhart Quartet
In Between

Label: Double Moon Records
release: June 2014
UPC/EAN: 608917113624

Line-up:
Tobias Meinhart (tenor and soprano saxophone)
Lorenz Kellhuber (piano and rhodes)
Rocky Knauer (bass)
Gabriel Hahn (drums)

Info:
There are times in life when your direction is set anew. Tobias Meinhart dedicates his new album to such times. "In Between" stands for a leap into the unknown, life between continents and the search for his own voice in music. Following his much-praised debut in the "Jazz thing Next Generation" series (Pursuit of Happiness, 2011, Double Moon Records), "In Between" is the logical successor three years later. This CD provides an unusual range of sounds, above all thanks to the participation of various singers.

New York influences the music substantially this time. In 2012, the musician from Regensburg settled again in the city, in which apparently 30,000 saxophonists live. "The variety of music here is an unbelievable inspiration," the musician stated, who certainly could have looked forward to a risk-free career in Europe. In Germany, he was called "one of the greatest talents on the tenor saxophone" (JazzThing, 2013), and the 30-year-old won the renowned "Best Soloist" award at the International Jazz Festival in Getxo (Spain) in 2012.

Now he calls Brooklyn his home. However, he returns to his native country for concerts and recordings at regular intervals. His many journeys, the cultural differences and deep-rooted personal changes connected with them help him to reach his goal in a creative way.

www.tobiasmeinhart.com

Joscha Arnold Quintet
Twist

Label: Double Moon Records
release: June 2014
UPC/EAN: 608917113723

Line-up:
Joscha Arnold (ts)
Sebastian Scheipers (git)
Florian Favre (p,synth)
Yannick Tinguely (b)
Severin Rauch (dr)

Info:
You should not use the word "exceptional musicians" carelessly, especially not for young jazz musicians who are presenting their first CD recorded together. However, you almost want to use the words when you listen to this CD. Not only because Jorge Rossy, who was the drummer in the now already legendary trio of Brad Mehldau from 1995 to 2005, wrote about Joscha Arnold in the booklet: "Welcome to Joscha Arnolds World… These textures, grooves, melodies, and harmony ring close to my heart in many ways." But also because he is so right. Relaxed, flowing melodies meander around exciting harmony sequences. You involuntarily think of the term "sustainability," which is not often used in music. The compositions radiate a high degree of recognition without immediately being worn out. At the same time, the harmonies provide the soloists with a solid basis for their excursions. How they are used – without putting on airs or the need to show off – leads you to suspect what a promising future the quintet has. This is especially so, since the five musicians have developed a great deal of maturity and individual charisma despite their youth (all were born in 1985 or 1986). All received their education and training in Switzerland and have played together for years, which results in distinct compactness of the band sound.

www.joscha-arnold.de

Hellmüller Sisera Renold
roots

Label: Double Moon Records
release: June 2014
UPC/EAN: 608917113525

Line-up:
Franz Hellmüller (guitar)
Luca Sisera (bass)
Tony Renold (drums)

Info:

An aphorism states: "Nothing grows without roots." For jazz musicians, this means not only knowledge of jazz history, but also intensive involvement with the "standards": pieces that were composed decades ago and have been learned and repeatedly performed by numerous musicians throughout the world. This has become a bit unfashionable in recent times (something that many people regret). Maybe this is because many believe that everything has already been said about these standards. The fact that this is false is proven by the CD of these three Swiss, who not only dwell in the roots, but also demonstrate what fantastic, unexpected and unique effects can be produced from them: of course, with the prerequisites of individualism, maturity, intelligent playing and the will to shape things. Wolf Kampmann describes this fittingly in his liner notes: "The standards of the trio are not the umpteenth imitation of the same themes, which we have heard in jazz history through the ages, but instead the anchoring of a boat that returns to a harbor from the open seas. To pass the time there? To the contrary, the connection of collective consciousness culminates here in the connection of an individual viewpoint. A standard album that does not follow standards, but instead sets standards." In brief: Back to the roots – and fun doing it!

www.hsr-trio.com

Lania
Déjà Vu

Label: Fine Music, GLM Music
release: 12.09.2014
UPC/EAN: 4014063419224

Line-up:
Stefanie Fettner, vocals
Bernd Haas, guitars
Alexander Goidinger, piano
Florian Baumgartner, drums
Walter Singer, double bass

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Lania They Are Determined And Focused
For all those in search of a band representing the complete range of authentic music, LANIA might be a liberating end to their quest. From the barely audible, subtle and fragile note to an energetic, vibrant sound cloud – this formation demonstrates an incredible versatility that enables it to venture into completely new spheres of their genre. With this in mind, lead singer S.Fettner, B.Haas, A.Goidinger, W.Singer and F.Baumgartner have dedicated their hearts and souls to the virtuously performed realization of their timeless compositions, which keep on shining in fresh colours even after you have pushed the „play“-button of your stereo over and over again. The five members of Lania had been friends and musical soulmates for a long time, before they finally agreed to join forces and form a band, a decision that seemed the only logical consequence of their private and artistic relationship. The palpable result of this union is reflected each and every time the artists that make up LANIA step on stage and demonstrate how much they enjoy listening to each other while simultaneously adoring the outcome of their appreciative collaboration. Lania play jazzy, catchy, emotional and honest music inspired by real-life-situations that everyone can identify with. For this reason, the first album was named „Déjà Vu“ – a direct invitation to listen closely with a thrilled, open mind and experience your very own „Déjà Vu!“

www.lania-music.com

Hannah Köpf
Lonely Dancer

Label: GLM Fine Music
release: 19.09.2014
UPC/EAN: 4014063418920

Line-up:
Hannah Köpf, vocals
Eva Buchmann, backing vocals
Lisa Müller, backing vocals
Ingo Stahl, backing vocals
Radek Stawarz, viola
Anne-Christine Heinrich, flute
Jan Schneider, flugelhorn, trumpet
Holger Werner, clarinet
Denis Gäbel, tenor saxophone
Klaus Heidenreich, trombone
Sebastian Sternal, piano
Tobias Hoffmann, guitars
Philipp Brämswig, guitars
Jakob Kühnemann, double bass
Tim Dudek, drums, rhodes, mandoline, electric bass, nylon guitar, piano, dobro, glockenspiel,
wurlitzer, ukulele, percussion, solina strings, juno, farfi sa organ

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Hannah Köpf´s third album “Lonely Dancer” shows a lot of self-composed lovely songs. “Lonely dancer” is moving between welfare bright melodies but sometimes she is stopping and giving you time for meditation and dreaming. And sometimes she is lonely. Emotions everybody knows well.
The sound of this promising band is a haunting synthesis of smooth jazz, swinging pop and traditional folk. Songs that remain true to the age-old tradition of story-telling. Hannah Köpf & Band: From fragile enchanting ballads to driving beats, the mystical fusion of this band provides listeners with an experience they will soon never forget.
In 2006, after finishing her studies in Amsterdam, singer Hannah Köpf moved back to her hometown of Cologne with a bagful of songs. There she met the musicians with whom she would form her band. All of them trained jazz musicians, they like her, shared a love for classic song writing. The result of this magical collaboration is the unique, timeless sound of Hannah Köpf & Band. Since forming in 2007, the Band has played a wide variety of venues from concert halls and their concerts were broadcasted by radio stations like WDR and BR. In 2009 the band won the second prize at the Convent Young Artists’ Jazz Award Northrhine-Westfalia and was among the finalists at the Future Sounds Competition in 2009 as well as at the European Young Artists’ Jazz Award Burghausen in 2010.

www.hannahkoepf.com

Cécile Verny Quartet
Memory Lane (CD & DVD)

Label: Jazzhaus Records
release: 24.10.2014
UPC/EAN: 4260075861012

Line-up:
Cécile Verny / vocals
Bernd Heitzler / basses
Andreas Erchinger / keys
Lars Binder / drums & percussion

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Cécile Verny Quartet
A passionate, world-renowned Singer and yet she has never been given conventional voice lessons. Her home is Jazz – but time and again she dauntlessly and skillfully takes excursions to Soul, Blues, Afro and Rock. Ivorian, French, cosmopolitan and yet still strongly rooted in her home of choice South-Germany. An energetic, power woman on stage, whose greatest hobby, aside from cooking and sewing, is sleeping. And still a woman exuding the joy of life, who does not ignore the dark side of humanity through her charitable work. Whoever meets Cécile Verny, if in concert, or privately on CD, they are introduced to an all-around coherent personality, who lives her art and for whom her life means art.

With her African heritage, her German-French roots and her love of American music, Cécile Verny maneuvers safely through styles and borders, regardless of whether with her quartet or in and orchestral context, in a jazz club or on the stage of a large concert hall. With her charisma and presence, she is undoubtedly one of the great voices of contemporary European jazz.

This year Cécile Verny celebrates with her quartet the 25th band anniversary by recording and filming a concert. This recording will be release as a Cd and DVD in October 2014.

www.cvq.de

Andres Böhmer & NyponSyskon
Wetterträume

Label: Neuklang
release: 08.08.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116410433

Line-up:
Andres Böhmer – guitar
Lars Födisch – double bass
Fabian Hönes – drums

www.andresboehmer.de

Katharina Maschmeyer Quartet

Duck On Ice, Flying Cow

Label: Neuklang
release: 29.08.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116408638

Line-up:
Katharina Maschmeyer – tenor & soprano saxophon
Nils Pollheide – guitar
Philipp Rüttgers – Rhodes / synth bass
Jens Otto – drums

www.katharina-maschmeyer.com

Justin Clark – the tranzient ensemble

Permanent Transience

Label: Neuklang
release: 29.08.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116409437

Line-up:
Justin Clark – bass trombone
Didier Métrailler – percussion, drums
Loïc Defaux – marimba, vibraphone, percussion
Fiona Kraege – violin
Shigeru Ishikawa – bass
James Alexander – piano

Prelistening on Youtube

www.justinthattromboneguy.com

Schwab Soro

Schwab Soro

Label: Neuklang
release: 10.10.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116409031

Line-up:
Raphaël Schwab – double bass
Julien Soro – alto saxophone

Info:
Raphaël Schwab and Julien Soro have been playing along since they were students at the National Conservatory in Paris. Today both of them play a fundamental part in the Paris based big band Ping Machine (Neuklang).
On this album they are looking for a simple musical conversation. They are both very natural players making use of their immense spontaneity. A true dialog is what they are actually aiming for. The mere compositions by Raphaël Schwab allow the art of wandering to happen: They drift away, they lose each other, and then catch up again.

www.schwabsoro.com

Initiative H

Deus Ex Machina

Label: Neuklang
release: 31.10.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116409932

Line-up:
David Haudrechy – saxophones, direction
Ferdinand Doumerc – saxophones, flute
Gaël Pautric – saxophones, bass clarinet
Nicolas Gardel – trumpet
Nicolas Algans – trumpet
Olivier "Lapin" Sabatier – trombone
Lionel Segui – bass trombone
Florent Hortal – guitar
Amaury Faye – keys, piano
Julien Duthu – bass, double bass
Pierre Pollet – drums
Florent "Pepino" Tisseyre – percussions

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:

The Toulouse based big band Initiative H creates a fantastic sound universe with its album DEUS EX MACHINA, which immediately starts a movie in ones head. Bandleader and composer David Haudrechy excellently knows to combine dark end time scenarios with gleams of hope of a sunny day.
The theme song Deux Ex Machina already uncovers the entity of the musical material in a kind of a third millennium’s opera overture. Like a concert made of tableaux, each piece is leading the audience into a universe of meaningful pictures to live the experience of a music arisen from thrill, intensity and a slight shiver.
We are travelling an imaginary America, that of the photographer Raymond Depardon, a disenchanted city, forming at all costs the neuralgic centre of an indisputable urban culture: E.T, Manhattan Out…
But we also go to the West Coast, where fun is all about and where surf culture originates from – inspired by the pictures of LeRoy Grannis, by the risk taken and the extreme thrill: Desillusion, The Way Of The Sun, Murder Drome, Infraction…
And there is “In Benzin Veritas” – the thought as the fuel of the Deus Ex Machina, the turnaround in the very last moment, open for amenable to other perspectives, like the taste of new ways to be explored…

DEUS EX MACHINA is also available as this 180g Audiophile Vinyl Pressing.

www.initiative-h.com

Tingvall Trio

Beat

Label: Skip Records
release: August 1, 2014
UPC/EAN: 4037688913724

Line-up:
Martin Tingvall, piano
Omar Rodriguez Calvo, double bass
Jürgen Spiegel, drums&percussions

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Over the last 10 years Tingvall Trio has evolved into an unparalleled success story for ‘Jazz made in Germany’, now regarded as one of the premier German export hits in its genre. A brief summary: 3 ECHO JAZZ awards as Ensemble of the Year or Live Act of the Year, 4 JAZZ AWARDS respectively for more than 10,000 units of recorded audio media sold in Germany for each of their 4 studio albums thus far Skagerrak, Norr, Vattensaga and 9107 Vägen, live appearances in far more than 20 countries, enthusiastic feedback in magazines such as Jazzwise (UK) and Jazz Life (Japan) and last not least a No. 1 ranking for “Vägen”. This is the first studio album after a 3-year intermezzo. Simply entitled “Beat“. As the name implies, a terse symbol for the time signatures that have fueled Tingvall Trio on its way: catchy melodies, brilliant ensemble playing, no inhibitions about rubbing shoulders with popular music. Jazz that reaches audiences’ hearts and flirts using all the dynamics at a Rock band’s command.

www.tingvall-trio.de

Tobias Meinhart Quartet
In Between

Label: Double Moon Records
release: June 2014
UPC/EAN: 608917113624

Line-up:
Tobias Meinhart (tenor and soprano saxophone)
Lorenz Kellhuber (piano and rhodes)
Rocky Knauer (bass)
Gabriel Hahn (drums)

Info:
There are times in life when your direction is set anew. Tobias Meinhart dedicates his new album to such times. "In Between" stands for a leap into the unknown, life between continents and the search for his own voice in music. Following his much-praised debut in the "Jazz thing Next Generation" series (Pursuit of Happiness, 2011, Double Moon Records), "In Between" is the logical successor three years later. This CD provides an unusual range of sounds, above all thanks to the participation of various singers.

New York influences the music substantially this time. In 2012, the musician from Regensburg settled again in the city, in which apparently 30,000 saxophonists live. "The variety of music here is an unbelievable inspiration," the musician stated, who certainly could have looked forward to a risk-free career in Europe. In Germany, he was called "one of the greatest talents on the tenor saxophone" (JazzThing, 2013), and the 30-year-old won the renowned "Best Soloist" award at the International Jazz Festival in Getxo (Spain) in 2012.

Now he calls Brooklyn his home. However, he returns to his native country for concerts and recordings at regular intervals. His many journeys, the cultural differences and deep-rooted personal changes connected with them help him to reach his goal in a creative way.

www.tobiasmeinhart.com

Joscha Arnold Quintet
Twist

Label: Double Moon Records
release: June 2014
UPC/EAN: 608917113723

Line-up:
Joscha Arnold (ts)
Sebastian Scheipers (git)
Florian Favre (p,synth)
Yannick Tinguely (b)
Severin Rauch (dr)

Info:
You should not use the word "exceptional musicians" carelessly, especially not for young jazz musicians who are presenting their first CD recorded together. However, you almost want to use the words when you listen to this CD. Not only because Jorge Rossy, who was the drummer in the now already legendary trio of Brad Mehldau from 1995 to 2005, wrote about Joscha Arnold in the booklet: "Welcome to Joscha Arnolds World… These textures, grooves, melodies, and harmony ring close to my heart in many ways." But also because he is so right. Relaxed, flowing melodies meander around exciting harmony sequences. You involuntarily think of the term "sustainability," which is not often used in music. The compositions radiate a high degree of recognition without immediately being worn out. At the same time, the harmonies provide the soloists with a solid basis for their excursions. How they are used – without putting on airs or the need to show off – leads you to suspect what a promising future the quintet has. This is especially so, since the five musicians have developed a great deal of maturity and individual charisma despite their youth (all were born in 1985 or 1986). All received their education and training in Switzerland and have played together for years, which results in distinct compactness of the band sound.

www.joscha-arnold.de

Hellmüller Sisera Renold
roots

Label: Double Moon Records
release: June 2014
UPC/EAN: 608917113525

Line-up:
Franz Hellmüller (guitar)
Luca Sisera (bass)
Tony Renold (drums)

Info:

An aphorism states: "Nothing grows without roots." For jazz musicians, this means not only knowledge of jazz history, but also intensive involvement with the "standards": pieces that were composed decades ago and have been learned and repeatedly performed by numerous musicians throughout the world. This has become a bit unfashionable in recent times (something that many people regret). Maybe this is because many believe that everything has already been said about these standards. The fact that this is false is proven by the CD of these three Swiss, who not only dwell in the roots, but also demonstrate what fantastic, unexpected and unique effects can be produced from them: of course, with the prerequisites of individualism, maturity, intelligent playing and the will to shape things. Wolf Kampmann describes this fittingly in his liner notes: "The standards of the trio are not the umpteenth imitation of the same themes, which we have heard in jazz history through the ages, but instead the anchoring of a boat that returns to a harbor from the open seas. To pass the time there? To the contrary, the connection of collective consciousness culminates here in the connection of an individual viewpoint. A standard album that does not follow standards, but instead sets standards." In brief: Back to the roots – and fun doing it!

www.hsr-trio.com

Lania
Déjà Vu

Label: Fine Music, GLM Music
release: 12.09.2014
UPC/EAN: 4014063419224

Line-up:
Stefanie Fettner, vocals
Bernd Haas, guitars
Alexander Goidinger, piano
Florian Baumgartner, drums
Walter Singer, double bass

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Lania They Are Determined And Focused
For all those in search of a band representing the complete range of authentic music, LANIA might be a liberating end to their quest. From the barely audible, subtle and fragile note to an energetic, vibrant sound cloud – this formation demonstrates an incredible versatility that enables it to venture into completely new spheres of their genre. With this in mind, lead singer S.Fettner, B.Haas, A.Goidinger, W.Singer and F.Baumgartner have dedicated their hearts and souls to the virtuously performed realization of their timeless compositions, which keep on shining in fresh colours even after you have pushed the „play“-button of your stereo over and over again. The five members of Lania had been friends and musical soulmates for a long time, before they finally agreed to join forces and form a band, a decision that seemed the only logical consequence of their private and artistic relationship. The palpable result of this union is reflected each and every time the artists that make up LANIA step on stage and demonstrate how much they enjoy listening to each other while simultaneously adoring the outcome of their appreciative collaboration. Lania play jazzy, catchy, emotional and honest music inspired by real-life-situations that everyone can identify with. For this reason, the first album was named „Déjà Vu“ – a direct invitation to listen closely with a thrilled, open mind and experience your very own „Déjà Vu!“

www.lania-music.com

Hannah Köpf
Lonely Dancer

Label: GLM Fine Music
release: 19.09.2014
UPC/EAN: 4014063418920

Line-up:
Hannah Köpf, vocals
Eva Buchmann, backing vocals
Lisa Müller, backing vocals
Ingo Stahl, backing vocals
Radek Stawarz, viola
Anne-Christine Heinrich, flute
Jan Schneider, flugelhorn, trumpet
Holger Werner, clarinet
Denis Gäbel, tenor saxophone
Klaus Heidenreich, trombone
Sebastian Sternal, piano
Tobias Hoffmann, guitars
Philipp Brämswig, guitars
Jakob Kühnemann, double bass
Tim Dudek, drums, rhodes, mandoline, electric bass, nylon guitar, piano, dobro, glockenspiel,
wurlitzer, ukulele, percussion, solina strings, juno, farfi sa organ

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Hannah Köpf´s third album “Lonely Dancer” shows a lot of self-composed lovely songs. “Lonely dancer” is moving between welfare bright melodies but sometimes she is stopping and giving you time for meditation and dreaming. And sometimes she is lonely. Emotions everybody knows well.
The sound of this promising band is a haunting synthesis of smooth jazz, swinging pop and traditional folk. Songs that remain true to the age-old tradition of story-telling. Hannah Köpf & Band: From fragile enchanting ballads to driving beats, the mystical fusion of this band provides listeners with an experience they will soon never forget.
In 2006, after finishing her studies in Amsterdam, singer Hannah Köpf moved back to her hometown of Cologne with a bagful of songs. There she met the musicians with whom she would form her band. All of them trained jazz musicians, they like her, shared a love for classic song writing. The result of this magical collaboration is the unique, timeless sound of Hannah Köpf & Band. Since forming in 2007, the Band has played a wide variety of venues from concert halls and their concerts were broadcasted by radio stations like WDR and BR. In 2009 the band won the second prize at the Convent Young Artists’ Jazz Award Northrhine-Westfalia and was among the finalists at the Future Sounds Competition in 2009 as well as at the European Young Artists’ Jazz Award Burghausen in 2010.

www.hannahkoepf.com

Cécile Verny Quartet
Memory Lane (CD & DVD)

Label: Jazzhaus Records
release: 24.10.2014
UPC/EAN: 4260075861012

Line-up:
Cécile Verny / vocals
Bernd Heitzler / basses
Andreas Erchinger / keys
Lars Binder / drums & percussion

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Cécile Verny Quartet
A passionate, world-renowned Singer and yet she has never been given conventional voice lessons. Her home is Jazz – but time and again she dauntlessly and skillfully takes excursions to Soul, Blues, Afro and Rock. Ivorian, French, cosmopolitan and yet still strongly rooted in her home of choice South-Germany. An energetic, power woman on stage, whose greatest hobby, aside from cooking and sewing, is sleeping. And still a woman exuding the joy of life, who does not ignore the dark side of humanity through her charitable work. Whoever meets Cécile Verny, if in concert, or privately on CD, they are introduced to an all-around coherent personality, who lives her art and for whom her life means art.

With her African heritage, her German-French roots and her love of American music, Cécile Verny maneuvers safely through styles and borders, regardless of whether with her quartet or in and orchestral context, in a jazz club or on the stage of a large concert hall. With her charisma and presence, she is undoubtedly one of the great voices of contemporary European jazz.

This year Cécile Verny celebrates with her quartet the 25th band anniversary by recording and filming a concert. This recording will be release as a Cd and DVD in October 2014.

www.cvq.de

Andres Böhmer & NyponSyskon
Wetterträume

Label: Neuklang
release: 08.08.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116410433

Line-up:
Andres Böhmer – guitar
Lars Födisch – double bass
Fabian Hönes – drums

www.andresboehmer.de

Katharina Maschmeyer Quartet

Duck On Ice, Flying Cow

Label: Neuklang
release: 29.08.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116408638

Line-up:
Katharina Maschmeyer – tenor & soprano saxophon
Nils Pollheide – guitar
Philipp Rüttgers – Rhodes / synth bass
Jens Otto – drums

www.katharina-maschmeyer.com

Justin Clark – the tranzient ensemble

Permanent Transience

Label: Neuklang
release: 29.08.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116409437

Line-up:
Justin Clark – bass trombone
Didier Métrailler – percussion, drums
Loïc Defaux – marimba, vibraphone, percussion
Fiona Kraege – violin
Shigeru Ishikawa – bass
James Alexander – piano

Prelistening on Youtube

www.justinthattromboneguy.com

Schwab Soro

Schwab Soro

Label: Neuklang
release: 10.10.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116409031

Line-up:
Raphaël Schwab – double bass
Julien Soro – alto saxophone

Info:
Raphaël Schwab and Julien Soro have been playing along since they were students at the National Conservatory in Paris. Today both of them play a fundamental part in the Paris based big band Ping Machine (Neuklang).
On this album they are looking for a simple musical conversation. They are both very natural players making use of their immense spontaneity. A true dialog is what they are actually aiming for. The mere compositions by Raphaël Schwab allow the art of wandering to happen: They drift away, they lose each other, and then catch up again.

www.schwabsoro.com

Initiative H

Deus Ex Machina

Label: Neuklang
release: 31.10.2014
UPC/EAN: 4012116409932

Line-up:
David Haudrechy – saxophones, direction
Ferdinand Doumerc – saxophones, flute
Gaël Pautric – saxophones, bass clarinet
Nicolas Gardel – trumpet
Nicolas Algans – trumpet
Olivier "Lapin" Sabatier – trombone
Lionel Segui – bass trombone
Florent Hortal – guitar
Amaury Faye – keys, piano
Julien Duthu – bass, double bass
Pierre Pollet – drums
Florent "Pepino" Tisseyre – percussions

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:

The Toulouse based big band Initiative H creates a fantastic sound universe with its album DEUS EX MACHINA, which immediately starts a movie in ones head. Bandleader and composer David Haudrechy excellently knows to combine dark end time scenarios with gleams of hope of a sunny day.
The theme song Deux Ex Machina already uncovers the entity of the musical material in a kind of a third millennium’s opera overture. Like a concert made of tableaux, each piece is leading the audience into a universe of meaningful pictures to live the experience of a music arisen from thrill, intensity and a slight shiver.
We are travelling an imaginary America, that of the photographer Raymond Depardon, a disenchanted city, forming at all costs the neuralgic centre of an indisputable urban culture: E.T, Manhattan Out…
But we also go to the West Coast, where fun is all about and where surf culture originates from – inspired by the pictures of LeRoy Grannis, by the risk taken and the extreme thrill: Desillusion, The Way Of The Sun, Murder Drome, Infraction…
And there is “In Benzin Veritas” – the thought as the fuel of the Deus Ex Machina, the turnaround in the very last moment, open for amenable to other perspectives, like the taste of new ways to be explored…

DEUS EX MACHINA is also available as this 180g Audiophile Vinyl Pressing.

www.initiative-h.com

Tingvall Trio

Beat

Label: Skip Records
release: August 1, 2014
UPC/EAN: 4037688913724

Line-up:
Martin Tingvall, piano
Omar Rodriguez Calvo, double bass
Jürgen Spiegel, drums&percussions

Prelistening on Youtube

Info:
Over the last 10 years Tingvall Trio has evolved into an unparalleled success story for ‘Jazz made in Germany’, now regarded as one of the premier German export hits in its genre. A brief summary: 3 ECHO JAZZ awards as Ensemble of the Year or Live Act of the Year, 4 JAZZ AWARDS respectively for more than 10,000 units of recorded audio media sold in Germany for each of their 4 studio albums thus far Skagerrak, Norr, Vattensaga and 9107 Vägen, live appearances in far more than 20 countries, enthusiastic feedback in magazines such as Jazzwise (UK) and Jazz Life (Japan) and last not least a No. 1 ranking for “Vägen”. This is the first studio album after a 3-year intermezzo. Simply entitled “Beat“. As the name implies, a terse symbol for the time signatures that have fueled Tingvall Trio on its way: catchy melodies, brilliant ensemble playing, no inhibitions about rubbing shoulders with popular music. Jazz that reaches audiences’ hearts and flirts using all the dynamics at a Rock band’s command.

www.tingvall-trio.de

David Friedman

Weaving through motion

Label: Traumton Records
release: September 2014
UPC/EAN: 705304459621

Line-up:
David Friedman: vibraphone, marimba

www.david-friedman.de

Andreas Matthias Pichler

The Waltz Of Our Hundred Kids

Label: Traumton Records
release: June 2013
UPC/EAN: 705304460726

Line-up:
Andreas Pichler: vocals, banjo, drums
Matthias Pichler: vocals, bass

Info

In Austria the rhythm-twins Andreas and Matthias Pichler are long regarded as the insider-tip of the national jazz-scene. Wolfgang Muthspiel never tired of highly praising the twins, born 1981 in Tirol, when they backed him in 2005 on his album “Bright Size” and three years later again on “Earth Mountain”, because their urge to spinning musical tales, guided the guitarist to whole new horizons. In New York the Pichlers enhanced their jazz portfolio first-hand. By now the two bold sound-adventurers have traded the peaks of the Alps of Tirol for the street-canyons of Berlin. Always steadfastly on the road in Europe and America, they picked up whatever they found along the wayside, to drop it all onto their own, accentually casual style of playing. . . . read more

www.andreasmatthiaspichler.com

Max Andrzejewski’s

Hütte und Chor

Label: Traumton Records
release: June 2013
UPC/EAN: 705304460924

Line-up:
Johannes Schleiermacher: tenor sax
Tobias Hoffmann: guitar
Andreas Lang: bass
Max Andrzejewski: drums

Friederike Merz, Sarah Whitteron, Zola Mennenöh, Laura Winkler, Tobias Christl: voice

Prelistening on Youtube

Info
No other young jazz-band in the last years in Germany has caused such a stir as Max Andrzejewski’s “Hütte“ [Hut]. Terms like newcomer, insider tip, talent or white hope are easily at hand for musicians under thirty, but the quartet with backgrounds in Cologne and Berlin was already a considerable step beyond the status of recommendation with their debut-album. The band of the drummer Max Andrzejewski took the German jazz-scene by storm.
. . . read more

www.maxandrzejewski.de