Label: Mons Records, 2022
Personnel includes: Steffen Schorn: C-melody saxophone, contraalto clarinet, composition; Thomas Luthi: tenor saxophone; Reto Anneler: alto saxophone; Lucas Heuss: alto clarinet; Adrian Weber: trombone; Raphael Kalt: trumpet; René Mosele: bass trumpet; Theo Kapilidis: guitar; Gregor Muller: piano; Patrick Sommer: acoustic bass, E-bass; Pius Baschnagel: drums, percussion, and more.
To My Beloved Ones, the third installment in the trilogy of the Zurich Jazz Orchestra’s recordings of music by saxophonist and composer Steffen Schorn, has everything in the right place, making the sounds glow with an air of collective consciousness.
The opening cut, “Tango”, deceives due to its title, since it’s more a cross-pollination of different rhythmic flavors than really a tango. It starts with sax and guitar in parallel but it’s the horn that takes the lead, navigating with softness and mystery an impressively tuneful backdrop that feels spongy and sweetly melodic. At the minute 5:20 everything is transformed, and the band enters into Brazilian territory with a contagious rhythm that motivates two brass solos in a row - René Mosele on bass trumpet and Raphael Kalt on trumpet. The final section takes another turn, playing like a carnival parade full of rhythm and color. For a moment, a fleet electric guitar stands out amid the forest of horns.
Inspired by the beautiful Greek island of Crete, “Die Tochter des Tyrannen” has a pronounced folkloric quality to it. Delivered in seven with fluid Eastern dynamics, the piece is a showcase for guitarist Theo Kapilidis, who feels totally at home. Conversely, “For Me Is Just Now Anytime” is an athletic waltz dedicated to Steffen’s wife, the cellist Ulrike Zavelberg. With no signs of warp, the fine collective moments surpass those of improvisation.
Featuring three saxophonists engaged in a conversation where every note seems independent and broad, “Käpt’n Blaubär" was inspired by the book The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by German writer and cartoonist Walter Moers. It takes a quintuple time flow and an occasional bluesy strike to evoke the adventurous and imaginative tones of the story.
The album is completed with the enchanting title track, which, perceived as a figurative painting with graceful notions of form and space, features Steffen Schorn on C-melody saxophone pairing up nicely with pianist Gregor Muller. Tension and release with long exposition and shortcuts alike, give the album an elegant final touch.
With notes colliding and harmonizing, the album pays handsome dividends for those looking for orchestral sumptuousness.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Tango ► 04 - Käpt’n Blaubär ► 05 - To My Beloved Ones