Record Reviews

QUARTZ ~ SO EIN DING MUSS ICH AUCH HABEN WHYPLAYJAZZ 002 (Barcode: 5707471006665) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the debut album by the young Danish quartet QuartzFind albums by this artist, which comprises of trumpeter Mads la CourFind albums by this artist, guitarist Frederik VedersoFind albums by this artist, bassist Andreas LangFind albums by this artist and drummer Kasper Tom ChristiansenFind albums by this artist. When this album was recorded nobody could have predicted that Vederso would soon become one of Denmark´s top Pop / Rock / Folk stars. This is also the debut recording of the Lang / Christiansen rhythm section, which in the decade following this recording was about to turn into one of the best Jazz rhythm sections in Europe. The album presents nine original compositions, all credited collectively to the quartet. The music of Quartz floats constantly somewhere between Jazz-Rock Fusion and contemporary modern Jazz. The Rocky guitar tends to pull the music towards Fusion, but the trumpet and rhythm section are obviously Jazz oriented, hence the duality. Regardless of the stylistic umbrella, this music is fresh, intelligent and full of intrinsic freedom, which allows for interesting improvisations and interplay between the band members. La Cour is a hell of a trumpet player and his solos soar high with a blood curdling intensity and speed. The rhythm section immediately presents their unique approach to providing the backbone for an ensemble, which is done with a specific twist of roles, with the bass being the rhythmic chronometer and the drums working with, against and above the expected rhythm patters, actually playing the instrument. The mutual understanding, respect and level of telepathic cooperation between these two guys are simply marvelous. There are also plenty of great tunes on this album, with some great melodies and catchy riffs, which make this music immediately accessible to most listeners. Although the music is quite sophisticated, it is also seemingly "easy on the ear", which of course is the best way to win over the listeners attention. In retrospect this is by far the most accessible album on the excellent WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label. This is definitely a superb debut effort and a piece of music that is certainly worth returning to from time to time.

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