By Fotis Nikolakopoulos
This live recording, from the ARTACTS Festival is Austria, captures this
trio in fine form indeed. As the world of improvisation (and not only this
field) is in a big need of women players, the presence of two of the best
around on this recording is totally a blast. Leandre is, of course, on
double bass, Harnik on piano and Kaucic on drums and percussion.
Playing live (and enjoying it…) is, and always will be, the core of the
non-spoken shared language we call music. All three of them are very good
and gifted in presenting their vision live. A vision that encompasses the
idiolect of improvisation strengthened with their individual skills. But,
don’t get me wrong. This is not a cd of three soloists. The three musicians
have struggled, for a long time now, to play, interact and share ideas with
others. Listening and interacting is the main focus. Their past proves
that, this CD also. LIVE IN ST. JOHANN is a recording of collectiveness. Of
camaraderie even. They play in unison, transforming their togetherness into
a musical entity that is solid and enjoyable too.
Enjoyment is a key word for this live recording. Another key word is jazz.
And why not. Improvisation has, for a long time, battled against the jazz
tradition, but that doesn’t mean that this tradition is at fault per se. On
LIVE IN ST. JOHANN, the three musicians use this tradition as a certain,
non-restrictive, guideline. Their jazz based compositions follow the linear
way of a jazz drums-piano-bass trio. Their playing is like storytelling.
There is a beginning, a middle passage as a main theme and a, more
aggressive, ending. Sometimes, to quote Godard a bit, not with this
particular order, but this given does not lessen the enjoyment at all…
LIVE IN ST. JOHANN is mostly, apart from the storytelling part, about
feelings. As every piece of great music should be about. Invest in those
feelings generously donated by the three artists. You cannot miss.
@koultouranafigo