Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917145724
Releasedate: 20-09-24
- From Vienna to New York: Top saxophonist in high-class company
- Focused and relaxed in the Big Apple – Second album by the Austrian top saxophonist
Why New York? "To record an album in New York with his heroes was also a lifelong dream for me. It felt so good the first time that I wanted to repeat it." Bernhard Wiesinger had been to New York several times before, but he never lived there for a long time. "The energy is simply different, even as far as such a production is concerned," he can only confirm. That's exactly what he excellently captured with "Enlightened". A brilliant decision.
Wiesinger was more than aware that you not only make a lasting statement as an instrumentalist and leader in a project of this kind, but also as a composer. He believes that a composition should form an attractive framework and the basis for a common sound to unfold and make all those involved feel comfortable as soloists. Despite all the diversity of his pieces, he has succeeded in doing just that. A piece by pianist Fritz Pauer, with whom he once played himself, cannot be overlooked. He had already dedicated a piece to the Austrian jazz icon (1943-2012) on his first album. Among other things, Wiesinger is a member of a tribute band that pays tribute to Pauer's music. "Enlightened" is concluded by a ballad that gained particular popularity through a version of the Beatles ("With The Beatles", 1963). Wiesinger had come across this song from the late fifties, which Sonny Rollins, among others, had taken over shortly after its release, in a targeted search for a less often interpreted Beatles number.
Wiesinger expanded the group to a quintet for three songs. He had met vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu when she performed in Austria. He heard the Taiwanese play, who had moved to the USA in 2015, at a concert in Vienna's Jazzland. Chien Chien Lu is one of the rising stars of the New York jazz scene; her contributions are brilliant. The sound combination of vibraphone and guitar also has a special appeal, as historical examples show.
A kind of key figure for Wiesinger's New York connection is top drummer Bill Stewart, who has also played alongside John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker, Chris Potter and others. Stewart has long formed a trio with Bernstein. Stewart was also drummer on Wiesinger's album debut. "There is nothing better for such occasions than Bill," the Austrian stated enthusiastically. This includes both the musical and the human side. "With his musicality, his creativity, his routine, but also his personality, he is a guarantee that things will be good." Wiesinger also appreciates Stewart's versatility, such as his pronounced groove sensibility. With "Prankish Funkish" and "Retrospection", the saxophonist included pieces whose funk-sophistication was in the best hands of the exceptional drummer.
The selection of band members was no coincidence. "Peter Bernstein just inspires me!" He already wanted to have him on board for the first album ("Notice That Moment", Double Moon, 2020), which did not work out due to scheduling reasons. The two were able to find a common time slot this time. This was preceded by an encounter in Wiesinger's home country. The saxophonist comes from Poysdorf in Lower Austria, an hour's drive north of Vienna. The well-known wine city is also a good jazz address, not the least thanks to the "Jazz & Wine Summer” festival. Bernstein and Wiesinger had jammed there. He had also met bassist Boris Kozlov there for the first time; the native of Moscow has lived in the States for more than 30 years.
The opener already reveals that everything has come together to form an organic whole. The irresistible presence of Wiesinger, who effortlessly demonstrates his entire musical expertise, is embedded in a perfectly attuned ensemble. "Focused and relaxed at the same time," the leader described the creative atmosphere of the sessions. A worthy track in every respect for the meaningful title and for the initial piece.
"Enlightened" is only the second album of his own in Wiesinger's career. The tenor and soprano saxophonist, born in 1981, also recorded this in New York City with a top-rate band. Realizing such a project not only requires organizational talent and a certain willingness to take risks; you also need inner strength and a firm belief that something special will be created. "You can only plan something like that to a limited extent," he admitted. "It's about more than just the right tones. The material must fit, but above all the chemistry must be right." A question of decisions on different levels, for example regarding the correct lineup.
Enlightenment: this can be meant in a metaphysical and spiritual sense, but also in a more down-to-earth context, i.e., almost in everyday life. When it comes to decisions, for example, there is ideally a moment of clarity, of enlightenment. Such experiences of certainty are part of life and can help us to be at peace with ourselves, achieve self-confidence and make decisive progress. Bernhard Wiesinger called his new album and its first track "Enlightened" for a good reason. The saxophonist and composer from Austria, who has been active in the wider Viennese scene for years, believes in the positive power of such moments. This album is an excellent example of this.