'Into the Blue' by the Snyder x Dudar Quartet

'Into the Blue' marks the debut album from the Snyder x Dudar Quartet - a vivacious new full-length that thrives from the concept of improvisation and a diverse international pairing that births riveting results.

Borrowing its title from the words of Swedish pianist Esbjörn Svensson - who likened the art of improvisation to the thrill of diving into blue of the ocean - it's actually the words of another jazz luminary that come to mind when listening to this album... Wynton Marsalis once described improvisation as a method to "teach you about yourself". He further explained that improvisation "teaches you that other people are individuals too [and] it teaches you how to co-ordinate with them".  Much of 'Into the Blue' thrives upon the friendship of its four architects and the joy that playing and creating together clearly affords them.

Comprised of the highly decorated and highly educated foursome that includes US double-bassist Russell Snyder, Polish saxophonist Slawek Dudar, German pianist Michael Flüegel and Polish drummer Pawel Czubatka, the album's international flair finds an exquisite balance between the sensibilities of each artist.  There's also the additional narrative of these four artists, mostly from varying backgrounds, improvising in a way that finds them reaching common and joyous ground as a collective.

Across the album's seven tracks, 'joy' does very much come across as the all-encompassing theme amidst elegantly woven tales of hope and unity.  The purity found within many of the album's compositions give credence to the whole project's statement of intent as it delivers with sublime effect.  'Day Dreams of Sarah' conveys a befitting and contemplative fable, the gentle swing of the album's title track is brilliant and the album's ode to the patroness of music and musicians, Saint Cecilia, serves as a triumph.  Further mention is due to the brilliant 'Portrait of Peace' which offers a wonderfully imaginative contribution to the album that is as compelling as it is spirited.

'Into the Blue' is an album that celebrates spontaneity and a connection between cultures.  It's an album born of the joy of four friends making music together and finding common ground in real time.