'Everything in Between' marks the latest release of the Bastian Menz Trio unveiling their bold new project through Italy's A.MA Records.
The new album not only heralds Bastian Menz's debut with A.MA but the project also serves as the label's first ever live full-length which is a wonderful claim for the champions of contemporary and European jazz to now be able to make. And it's a distinction that has been bestowed onto exceptional hands in those of Hamburg-based drummer, Menz.
As an artist who likes to embed himself in varied surroundings and ensembles, Menz appears to thrive off of the company of others - whether they comprise members of his trio, the Bastian Menz Quartet or the soul fusion outfit The KAYD Project - Menz attributes much of his performances and collaborations to the art of improvisation as much as to his esteemed compositions. Menz's Facebook and Instagram accounts offer some fantastic insight into the wide breadth of his music knowledge and appreciation with short videos of band rehearsals, live shows and the real treats that feature Menz's solo performances on drums that feature loving odes to Max Roach as well as scintillating broken beat and groove-based improvisations.
A renowned and devoted live performer, Menz's touring schedule this year alone has seen him maintain a staggering selection of dates around Germany alongside the aforementioned line-ups which makes the release of 'Everything in Between' all the more appropriate.
Menz is joined by two incredible artists in acclaimed bassist Reuben Rogers - a solo artist in his own right and a musician who has recorded on over seventy albums alongside names including Charles Lloyd and Joshua Redman - and then there's saxophonist and highly-decorated band leader Konstantin Herleinsberger who can lay claim to work as part of the NDR Big Band as well as helming his own projects.
Recorded Live at the comparatively new concert hall of the University of Music and Drama in Hamburg, the JazzHall's exquisite surroundings would no doubt have offered an elegant backdrop to those fortunate enough to have been in attendance, 22nd March 2024. Showcasing the trio's boundless talents over the album's nine compositions, listeners are treated to a warm and intimate performance that transports each of us to Hamburg's JazzHall with these phenomenal musicians creating solely for our listening pleasure.
As veritable masters of their craft, Menz, Rogers & Herleinsberger prove equally adept at captivating audiences through their more spirited numbers like 'Confronting' and 'Taking a Trip' as well as they're each able to sweetly serenade during the more affectionate pieces like 'Emily' and the album's title track. The album is packed with healthy doses of band solos and some exhilarating interplay particularly between Menz and Rogers during the latter half of 'Linz Shuffle'.
'Everything in Between' sets the bar incredibly high for A.MA's future forays into live recordings. The project proves to be an exceptional record that moves beyond merely a performance and more towards a conversation. One that listeners will be grateful to have been part of.
No comments:
Post a Comment