Street Date Jan. 31 2012.
A little rough around the edges. Raw. Somewhat eclectic but a release that is as intriguing as any as Jahira is a unique blend of perhaps more modern post bop with a smokey free jazz finish to go down a little smoother than expected.
The second release on the always reliable Sunnyside label finds Glawischnig and his acoustic bass guitar debuting a new trio to take the listener on a developmental world tour of jazz history by infusing a multitude of styles, concepts not to mention their slightly impressionistic execution. Having been a first call bassist on the vibrant New York scene for well over a decade and performing with luminaries such as Paquito D' Rivera, Miguel Zenon and the late Ray Baretto it was touring with Baretto's New World Spirit ensemble that brought Glawischnig to the acoustic bass guitar. Despite the limitations in sound as compared to the double bass, Glawischnig shows exactly what happens when artistic ability triumphs over what could potentially be a musical trip wire of technology. Rounding out this ensemble we have up and comers Samir Zarif on saxophone and Eric Doob on drums. A trio minus the piano is rare and the ability to successfully pull off this acoustic miracle without drawing attention to that fact is no easy task - except Glawischnig makes it look incredibly easy!
The opening tune, "Once I Hesitate: is a lyrically charged tune showcasing Zarif while punctuated by the rhythms of Glawischnig and Doob. This trio creates a sonic dynamic tension, three dimensional soundscapes working as one harmonious voice. "From The Essence" shifts musical gears to a more intimate approach, slightly moody but the feeling is for the listener to interpret. "Alondra" owns a slightly more Latin approach with a curious and highly accessible pop flair, modern jazz going mainstream?
Jahira is a musical safari. The sonic adventure is every bit as rewarding as the finished product. From classic swing to more post modern there are multiple winners to be bagged here. Organic, dynamic but most of all incredibly entertaining. A trio with musical meat on their bones and the ability to shift direction on the fly makes Jahira a winner to kick off 2012
Tracks: Once I Hesitate; Jahira; Ballad No. 2; Crown Point; Calabria; Celia; Alondra; Beatrice; Shock Value.
Personnel: Hans Glawischnig: acoustic bass guitar; Samir Zarif: saxophone; Eric Doob: drums.
A taste of Hans Glawischnig in rehersal with Chick Corea on a different project via You Tube.
