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Max Zenger: Chapter 2
BySo it should come as no surprise that European jazz has its own distinct style and flavour. And continuing in that tradition is multi-instrumentalist Max Zenger, a saxophonist/bass clarinetist from Finland, whose latest album Chapter 2, recorded with the Maxxxtet quartet, is at once both earthy and sophisticated in equal measure.
Highlights on Chapter 2 are many and varied. Opener "Varanus Priscus" is played with a relaxed beauty, reminiscent of early Soft Machine, where Zenger's alto-saxophone provides the lattice-work around which other members Tomi Nikku (trumpet) Teemu Åkerblom (bass) and Joonas Leppänen (drums) add their own unique colours and textures.
Some tracks, such as "Year of the Rooster" and "Vortex" at times display elements of free-jazzunderpinned by a strong sense of melodic inventionthat takes the listener on a varied, unpredictable journey. "Tresteg" invokes the luscious tones of John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy, while the hushed dynamics of "Tragikomik" exert more subtle charms. The swinging "Pristine" and the delicately crafted, more nuanced "Z.E.N.," which rounds out a strong set, are further fine examples of the quartet's intuitive interplay.
Released on the independent Eclipse Music label Chapter 2 is an accomplished, cerebrally nourishing piece of work.
Track Listing
Varanus Priscus; Year of the Rooster; Vortex; Tresteg; Tragikomik; Pristine; Z.E.N.
Personnel
Max Zenger
clarinet, bassMax Zenger: alto saxophone, bass clarinet; Tomi Nikku: trumpet; Teemu Åkerblom: bass; Joonas Leppänen: drums.
Album information
Title: Chapter 2 | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Eclipse Music
Comments
About Max Zenger
Instrument: Clarinet, bass
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