Record Reviews

THEO JORGENSMANN / CONTACT 4TETT ~ WUNDERTUTE JAZZWERKSTATT 224 (Barcode: 4250317420732) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by the veteran German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist and the Contact 4tettFind albums by this artist, which also includes guitarist Evert BrettschneiderFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Kai KanthakFind albums by this artist and drummer Sascha SauerbornFind albums by this artist, who is also in charge of electronic effects. The album presents eleven tracks, three of which are original compositions by Jorgensmann, two by Brettschneider and the remaining six co-composed by all four members of the quartet. The music is a wonderful example of contemporary European Free Jazz / Improvised Music, literally electrified by the presence of electronics, electric guitar and bass, and the ever-young spirit of my Friend, Theo Jorgensmann, who seems to remain completely ageless and comfortable with whatever musical environment he is surrounded by. Although almost completely improvised and with little straightforward melodic continuity, the music is beautifully delicate and even intimate, shunning the “wall of sound” effect that many Improvised Music projects often indulge in. Jorgensmann’s fluid clarinet chant has the “Piper of Hamelin” effect, luring the listener into the intricacies of the abstract improvisations, which of course is as enchanting as music can be. The arrhythmic, but perfectly cohesive drumming drives the music forward, avoiding lethargic slipping off into the aural sphere, and the electronics, guitar soundscapes and bass pulsations keep everything alive on multiple planes, which offer a wonderful magic carpet sonic ride. Overall, this is a truly magical Improvised Music album, which is almost meditative / Ambient at times, and offers a relaxed, but not slack, musical experience of the highest aesthetic level. My sincere thanks to the musicians involved in creating this timid gem, which I can only wholeheartedly recommend to all true lovers of challenging beauty. Hats off!

Updated: 16/04/2023Posted: 16/04/2023

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