Gekko : Moonlight Mask

Gekko : Moonlight Mask

As240

Alexandre Babel: drums, percussions

Raphael Anker: trumpet, trombone, fluegelhorn

Alexandre Rodrigues: Fender Rhodes, Mini Moog, MIDI Synthesizer

Nicolas Brunner: bass, double bass, guitars

The music created by the Gekko quartet lies somewhere on the border between contemporary jazz, instrumental pop/rock and improvised music. There is a history of more than five years collaboration between the four Geneva based musicians trumpet player Raphael Anker (Jean-Louis Murat, Marxis, Macyr Sylla), pianist Alexandre Rodrigues (Aloan, Risotto Revox collective), bassist/guitarist Nicolas Brunner (Gingala) and drummer/percussionist Alexandre Babel (N-collective, ButtercupMetalPolish).

In 2003, the band had already recorded their first album 1, with an electro-acoustic jazz feel to it. For the new album presented here by Gekko, various recording techniques were used, to allow for maximum freedom with harmony, textures and dynamics. Esthetically, this new selection of tunes oscillates between large, almost orchestral counterpoints and pieces with sharper and more distorted sounds, revealing the post-rock aspect of the quartet. A reference to early 20th century French classical music rounds up the selection, with an arrangement of the Elgie, by composer Gabriel Faur.

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Corini / Graf : 2Ailes

Corini / Graf

2Ailes

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 219

players: Hlne Corini (vocal, kazoo, looper, composition), Batrice Graf (drums, vocal, keyboards, composition)

An encounter between modern a cappella singing and percussive jazz/ethnic concerns, the members of this duo pool their resources in order to propose a mixture of influences encompassing from folk music of African ascendancy, funkier rhythmic interests, jazz treatments of melody and open, more experimental atmospheres leading towards predominantly ?acoustically? constructed dance grooves.

Un encuentro entre intereses de canto a cappella moderno y percusin jazzstico-tnica en el que los miembros del do comparten recursos para proponer una mezcla de influencias que van desde la msica tradicional de origen africano, intereses de corte ms funk, tratamientos jazzsticos de la meloda y atmsferas abiertas que llevan hacia ritmos de baile construidos de forma esencialmente acstica.

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Santilli/Muto : Belli in Zona

Santilli/Muto

Belli in Zona

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 209

players: Marco Santilli (cl, bcl, voice, kazoo), Giordano Muto (ss, as, ts, bs, didgeridoo)

Woodwind duos exploring the possibilities of chamber, jazz and folk materials carefully performed and arranged. The material palette is characterized by lively rhythms and an exploration of voicing reminiscent of early polyphony, as well as the occasional track featuring of guitar, didgeridoo or voice, which contributes to broaden the actual range of sonorities.

Dos de vientos que exploran las posibilidades de materiales camersticos, folklricos o jazzsticos presentados mediante una ejecucin y arreglos cuidados. La paleta de materiales se caracteriza por ritmos vivos y una exploracin de las voces que recuerda a la primera polifona, as como el corte ocasional con guitarra, voz o didgeridoo, que contribuye a ampliar el rango de sonoridades.

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Alessandro D?Episcopo Trio : Meraviglioso

Alessandro D?Episcopo Trio

Meraviglioso

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 205

players: Alessandro D?Episcopo (piano), Hmi Hmmerli (Bass), Elmar Frey (drums)

The group wades through various jazz waters, alternatively displaying an inclination for rhythmical, African elements, clearly distanced from more classically influenced streaks in modern piano playing -both in the rendition of original compositions and standards- and the adaptation of folk materials from Neapolitan origin or eastern ascendancy, characterized by the treatment of the melodies from a ballad reading.

El grupo navega por diversas aguas jazzsticas, mostrando de forma alternativa una inclinacin por elementos rtmicos, africanos, claramente distanciados de corrientes de influencia clsica en el piano moderno ?tanto en la ejecucin de composiciones originales como de standards- y la adaptacin de materiales folklricos de origen Napolitano o ascendencia oriental, caracterizados por el tratamiento de las melodas desde una lectura baladizante.

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Swing Session : Leapfrog

Swing Session

Leapfrog

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 217

players: Jean-Loup Muller (piano), Julien Cotting (Drums), Manu Hagmann (Bass), Ren Hagmann (cornet, saxes, clarinet), Levon (Vibes, voice)

An exercise in portraying the essence of the golden years of swing music, illustrated with the care of performers truly devoted to that tradition and a superb studio work aimed at achieving a document truly reminiscent of the warmth of the original in each and every detail if scented with the aroma of a thoroughly supportive environment.

Un ejercicio consistente en retratar la esencia de los aos dorados del swing, ilustrados con el cuidado de unos intrpretes dedicados a dicha tradicin y un formidable trabajo de estudio encaminado a lograr un documento verdaderamente reminiscente de la calidez del original en todos y cada uno de los detalles aunque marcado por el aroma de un entorno de apoyo incondicional a semejantes propuestas.

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Simon Wyrsch Quartet : First Flight

Simon Wyrsch Quartet

First Flight

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 212

players: Simon Wyrsch (clarinet), Jrg Schneebeli (piano), Willi Frauenfelder (bass), Lukas Mantel (drums)

A recording by a jazz quartet that moves through standards and occasional original compositions according to classical lines. Devoid of surprises, the outlook bears the brand of a well-documented project, perhaps displaying a slightly too intense imprint of its mentors, and greatly benefiting from a environment that supports such initiatives.

Grabacin a cargo de un cuarteto de jazz que se mueve por los standards y con ocasionales composiciones originales tejidas a imagen de los clsicos. Desprovista de sorpresas, la mirada presenta rasgos de un proyecto bien documentado, quizs con una excesiva huella de sus mentores y beneficindose sobremanera de un entorno que apoya semejantes iniciativas.

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Oded Ben-Horin : Welcome to the Science Fair

Oded Ben-Horin

Welcome to the Science Fair

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 216

players: Oded Ben-Horin (vocals), Adrian Pflugshaupt (sax), Franz Hellmller (guitar), Andreas Hausammann (piano), Peter Gossweiler (Bass), Mattias Zindel (drums, perc)

Halfway between contemporary minimal opera, cabaret-cum-jazz and projects blending the musical into audio-book formats, this work takes every possible perspective for fusing narrative and musical elements into a coherent whole. Featuring a strong inclination towards and thorough mastery of the articulatory, occasionally moving in a slightly out-of-synch, slanted rhythmic angle over the pulse and weaving a futuristic fable (which truly constitutes one of the sharpest, wittiest denounces about the current state of things), the voice takes precedence as meaning causes attention to perceive the musical as background which, nevertheless, comes to the fore when alone (masterfully swimming in modern jazz, experimental or pop waters). The multi-stylistic aesthetics embodied in various guises -bossa, funk, blues, scat, ballad, R&B, pop-country-and-rock-more-authentic-than-the-real-thing or, even, (acoustic) techno is conscientiously explored until they have the audience rolling in the aisles.

A medio camino entre la pera minimal contempornea, el cabaret-cum-jazz y los proyectos que fusionan la msica y el audio-libro, este trabajo adopta toda perspectiva posible para fundir los elementos narrativos y musicales en un todo sin fisuras. Haciendo gala de una marcada inclinacin y completo dominio de lo articulatorio, en ocasiones movindose por una rtmica ligeramente angular, fuera del pulso y tejiendo una fbula futurista (que realmente constituye uno de las denuncias ms agudas al tiempo que ocurrentes sobre la situacin actual), la voz se sita en primer plano al hacer, el significado, que nuestra atencin perciba lo musical como fondo aunque, no obstante, se torne protagonista cuando se queda solo (nadando magistralmente por las aguas del jazz moderno, lo experimental o el pop). La esttica multiestilstica, que adopta diversas guisas ?bossa, funk, blues, scat, balada, R&B, pop-country-and-rock ms aunttico que hecho a drede o, incluso, tecno (acstico)-, se explora a conciencia hasta que el pblico no puede sino desternillarse de la risa.

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Format A? 3 : Pirate

Format A? 3

Pirate

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 214

players: Patrick Dufresne (drums, drum machines, synths), Fabien Sevilla (double bass, bass, effects), Alexis Gfeller (piano, Rhodes, organ, synths)

Variously dyed fabrics are displayed as backdrops for straightforward idiomatic compositions. The timbric choices point to an electric, fusion background combined with a slightly forced exposure of the amplified dynamics, their original dimension overblown around rhythmic concerns, which results in blurred harmonic envelops contributing a casual appearance and the blending of the various instrumental timbres.

Tejidos teidos en colores diversos se despliegan como telones para composiciones idiomticas convencionales. Las elecciones tmbricas apuntan a un bagaje elctrico, de fusin, combinado con una exposicin forzada en las dinmicas de amplificacin, mientras que la dimension original es ampliada en torno a intereses rtmicos, lo que aporta envolventes armnicos borrosos, desenfadados, que amalgaman los diversos timbres instrumentales.

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Hellmller / Sisera / Renold : Somewhere in May

Hellmller / Sisera / Renold

Somewhere in May

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 215

players: Franz Hellmller (guitar), Luca Sisera (bass), Tony Renold (drums)

Featuring original compositions along with renditions of standards, this carefully recorded trio features occasional free experimental tracks as an alternative side to the conventional discourses phrased in a remarkably mainstream language.

Con composiciones originales junto a versiones de standards, esta cuidadosa grabacin a tro incluye cortes experimentales ocasionales como contrapeso a discursos convencionales expresados en lenguaje claramente mainstream.

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Lennie?s Line : Intuition

Lennie?s Line

Intuition

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 200

players: Michael Beck (piano, fender Rhodes), Phil Stckli (alto), Domenic Landolf (tenor), Andreas Zitz (bass), Elmar Frey (drums)

Paying homage to the music of Lenni Tristano, this CD presents both renditions of his themes and original materials inspired in his work. True to the composer?s subtleties the project thrives on the precious textures and luxury finishing of bygone practices, and casts a new light on the relevance of his music in relation to later developments.

En homenaje a la msica de Lenni Tristano, este CD presenta tanto versiones de sus temas como material original inspirado en ellos. Fiel a la sutileza del autor, el proyecto explora texturas preciosistas y acabados lujosos de prcticas anteriores, y arroja nueva luz sobre la relevancia de su msica en relacin a desarrollos futuros.

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Franois Ingold Trio : Song Garden

Franois Ingold Trio

Song Garden

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 210

players: Diego Imbert (bass), Franois Ingold (piano), Fred Binter (drums)

A trio album dwelling in the realm of jazz standards by means of original compositions, occasional atmospheric passages and a strong bias towards slow tempos, featuring a strong influence by similar modern jazz trio adventures.

Album en tro situado en el mbito de los standards de jazz mediante composiciones originales, ocasionales pasajes atmosfricos y gran debilidad por los tempos lentos, mostrando una fuerte influencia de aventuras similares del jazz moderno a tro.

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Diatribes : Logique du dsordre

Diatribes

Logique du dsordre

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 207

players: D?incise (laptop, processing, objects), Gel Riondel (Saxes, Clarinet, flute), Cyril Bondi (Drums), Christian Graf (guitar), Nicolas Sordet (electronic luthier)

The various fibres that make up the sounds, the unusual perspectives on the instruments, the unprejudiced blend of backgrounds ?noise, electroacoustic, jazz, objects, processing, concrete- transform this work into a ongoing gush of fresh air, stating without qualms its unrelenting energy in a remarkably creative interaction, or a narrative that unveils its coherence at every turn, completely devoid of anticipation.

Las diversas fibras que componen los sonidos, las perspectivas inusuales acerca de los instrumentos, la fusion resuelta de bagajes ?ruido, electroacstica, jazz, objetos, procesado, concreta- transforman este trabajo en un soplo constante de aire fresco, afirmando sin reparos su energa incesante en una interaccin harto creativa, o una narrativa que revela su coherencia a cada giro, totalmente desprovista de lo previsible.

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Escobar / Willcox / Willcox : New Samba Jazz

Escobar / Willcox / Willcox

New Samba Jazz

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 206

players: Erik Escobar (keyboards), Chico Willcox (bass), Igor Willcox (drums)

Electric jazz trio exploring the possibilities of finely tuned interaction within a framework of powerfully driving grooves of overt Brazilian scent and modern jazz harmonies. Taking the relay from electric and fusion jazz proposals of the late 60?s and 80?s they thrive in stretching things further if in a slightly grandiloquent fashion.

Tro de jazz elctrico que explora las posibilidades de la interaccin engrasada dentro de vitales grooves de claro aroma brasileo y armonas modernas de jazz. Tomando el relevo de propuestas elctricas y fusin del jazz de finales de los 60 y 80, se percibe el disfrute de llevar las cosas al extremo aunque no exento de cierta ampulosidad.

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Perrenoud / Ghio : Stream Out

Perrenoud / Ghio

Stream Out

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 208

players: Marc Perrenoud: piano, Sylvain Ghio: drums

Piano and drums duo offering a wide range of standards in carefully arranged renditions and encompassing all sort of periods and unlikely ascendancies, while their interaction is minutely portrayed through a detailed recording.

Do de piano y batera que ofrece una serie de standards en versiones de cuidado arreglo y que abarcan todo tipo de periodos y procedencias inusuales mientras que su interaccin es retratada minuciosamente en una grabacin detallista.

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Marco Kappeli & The Even Odds : Prisoner of Time

Marco Kappeli & The Even Odds

Prisoner of Time

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 197

players: Marco Kppeli: drums, percussions; Herbert Kramis: double bass; Jrg Wickihalder: ss, as, boomerang; Jan Schlegel: e-bass

Original project featuring challenging asymmetrical time frames (hence the bands? name) beautifully phrased through far side elaborations of previous stances. However, the contributions of band members (exquisite e-bass guitar and the original approach on the reeds) and the aesthetic overall are what truly make the album happen.

Proyecto original con exigentes marcos rtmicos asimtricos (de ahi el nombre del grupo) esbozados con belleza a travs de una elaboracin (alejada) de ideas previas. Sin embargo, la contribucin de los msicos (exquisitez de bajo elctrico y lo original de los vientos) y la esttica del conjunto hace que el album realmente despegue.

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Fredi Luescher : Rubato

Fredi Luescher

Rubato

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 203

players: Fredi Luscher: piano

Solo piano album paying tribute to the tradition of jazz either by rendering standards or compositions influenced by well-known ?figures?. The knowledge of the tradition contributes to a statement aiming at the feeling rather than the technical.

Album de piano solo que rinde tributo a la tradicin del jazz bien sea interpretando standards o con composiciones influidas por famosas ?figuras?. El conocimiento de la tradicin contribuye a una expresin que apunta al feeling antes que a lo tcnico.

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Olivier Le Goas Quartet : Gravitations

Olivier Le Goas Quartet

Gravitations

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 204

year: 2005

players: Olivier Le Goas: drums, Ralph Alessi: trumpet, Drew Gress: double bass, John Abercrombie: guitar

The flexible rhythmic concerns behind the compositions for this jazz quartet provide a varied frame for the nimble soloists to move at ease, paying careful attention to the subtle nuances the tracks undergo, following the various moods of their development.

Los flexibles aspectos rtmicos tras las composiciones de este cuarteto de jazz plantean un marco donde los capaces solistas tocan cmodos, prestando atencin a los sutiles matices del corte, siguiendo las diversas atmsferas del desarrollo.

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Hellmllersisera : Home

Hellmllersisera

Home

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 196

year:2005

players: Hellmllersisera

Electric guitar and bass duo featuring a fine interactive tuning through extended musical partnership. Original or standard language exploring linguistic varieties, contemplated from within, staying close to the originals.

Do de bajo y guitarra elctrica que platea la afinacin de la interaccin a travs de una convivencia musical prolongada. Lenguaje original o standard que explora variedades lingsticas, contempladas desde dentro, cerca del original.

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Chasper Wanner Quartet : The Softening

Chasper Wanner Quartet

The Softening

label: Altri Suoni

ref: AS 199

year:

players: Chasper Wanner, Alex Hendriksen, Wolfgang Zwiauer, Danny Gottlieb

Jazz quartet exploring asymmetric time signatures, scented with a careful sound design reminiscent of ECM influences in terms of melodies, sonic spaces and atmospheres.

Cuarteto de jazz que explora compases asimtricos con un cuidado diseo sonoro que recuerda influencias ECM en cuanto a meloda, espacio sonoro y atmsfera.

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Kaspar Ewalds Exorbitantes Kabinet : Reptil

Kaspar Ewalds Exorbitantes Kabinet

Reptil

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 198

year:2006

players: Various

Chamber compositions for wind ensemble. Accuracy oriented within sophisticated compositional frames of irregular rhythmic contour. Clockwork precision of unpredictable unfolding with references to the 70?s electric funk.

Composiciones de cmara para grupo de vientos. Tendencia a la precisin dentro de sofisticados marcos compositivos de contorno rtmico irregular. Exactitud de relojero, aunque desarrollo impredecible, con referencias al funk elctrico de los 70.

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Renata Friederich Close-up : Lonely Woman

Renata Friederich Close-up

Lonely Woman

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 202

year:2005

players: Renata Friederich, Markus Portenier, Rtus Flisch

Mainstream jazz album (voice, piano and bass) featuring original compositions around female portraits which serve as guiding line for the project.

Album de jazz convencional (voz, piano y bajo) consistente en composiciones originales en torno a retratos femeninos que sirven de hilo conductor para el proyecto.

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No Square : Double Album

No Square

Double Album

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 182

year:2005

players: Andr Hahne, Yannick Oppliger, Gabriel Zufferey, Guillaume Perret

Concerned with the establishment of strongly laid grooves, powerfully driving fast modulating tempi, modal ostinati and intense atmospheric developments of standard structures, the choice of an electrical instrument on the keys overtly points to this group?s aesthetic inclinations, which are thoroughly inspired by fusion stances in their early blossoming stage.

En respuesta a la intencin de establecer grooves planteados con fuerza, tempos rpidos, modulantes y poderosos, ostinatos modales e intensos desarrollos atmosfricos de estructuras estandard, la eleccin de un instrumento elctrico en el teclado apunta la inclinacin esttica del grupo, claramente inspirada en propuestas de fusin en sus primeros estadios de floracin.

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Cholet, Knzig, Papux Trio : Under The Whale

Cholet, Knzig, Papux Trio

Under The Whale

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 189

year:2005

players: Jean-Christophe Cholet, Heiri Knzig, Marcel Papaux.

Connecting classical interests and jazzistic influences by means of a gestural work, this trio explores the multilinear possibilities offered by an enhanced rhythmic, timbric and harmonic approach: a careful exploration of interplay both in terms of group interaction and careful research of previous jazz trio proposals.

Conectando intereses clsicos e influencias jazzsticas mediante un trabajo gestual, el tro explora las posibbilidades multilineales ofrecidas por el enriquecimiento de ideas rtmicas, armnicas y tmbricas: cuidadosa exploracin del interplay tanto en trminos interactivos como de una cuidadosa investigacin de planteamientos en tro previos.

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Daniel Erismann Trio : Volare

Daniel Erismann Trio

Volare

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 185

year:2003

players: Daniel Erismann, Stephan Urwyler, Samuel Joss, Beat von Wattenwyl

In front of a series of snapshots, we are invited to partake in a walk, visit a series of highly evocative settings, with alternating hints to overtly traditional registers and the occasional local colour note. And much as familiar walkers, versed in each other?s ways, harmony and rhythm often fall into the same pace, their strides and conversation naturally responding to a single impulse.

Como ante una serie de instantneas, invitados a participar de un paseo, visitamos una serie de lugares evocadores, alternando los guios a registros claramente tradicionales con la ocasional nota de color local. Y al igual que paseantes conocidos, sabedores de las maneras del otro, la armona y el ritmo a menudo avanzan a un mismo paso, las zancadas y la conversacin responden de forma natural a un mismo impulso.

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Pius Baschnagel Influences : Motions & Emotions

Pius Baschnagel Influences

Motions & Emotions

label: Altrisuoni

ref: AS 191

year:2005

players: Pius Baschnagel, Reto Suhner, Jean-Paul Brodbeck, Leon Duncan

Drinking from original sources, the music of this quartet is thoroughly familiarized with key developments of jazz language. The long cherised gestures are subsequently filtered by further developments, their outlook remaining faithful to the original inspiration, enhanced by individual expression, resulting in well-carved forms.

Bebiendo de fuentes originales, la msica de este cuarteto est ampliamente familiarizada con desarrollos claves del lenaguaje del jazz. Gestos atesorados son posteriormente filtrados por desarrollos tardos mientras la mirada permanece fiel al origen, enriquecida por la expresin individual, resultando en formas bien labradas.

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