IN BETWEEN FLOW

Description

The continuous growth of Maik Krahl as a melodic improviser, conductor, and composer is clearly evident in this new release. In-Between Flow, Krahl's third outing as a leader, is the portrait of a young artist who has gone through many years of hard work, study, experimentation, and refinement to reach this level of instrumental and artistic prowess. Krahl belongs to a new generation of improvisers who have acquired great technical and theoretical ease, without losing the spontaneity and rawness of this music we call jazz. As a conductor, he wisely chooses his colleagues and is joined for this date on a few tracks by visionary guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, whose brilliant playing adds a cherry on top of this already delightful lineup. The title In-Between Flow refers to the ever-evolving progression of our human condition. Like in nature, the human mind can develop and unfold, maturing into a new state where it can settle for a while until new impulses inspire another transition. These transitions, sometimes subtle, sometimes abrupt; as well as moments of contentment and serenity are the inspirations for this music. The record opens with an ode to the city where Krahl resides. Cologne 4 AM begins with an enchanting melody from Krahl's soft yet powerful horn before settling into a perfect vehicle to showcase his mastery of melodic and motivic storytelling. There is something about the hour of 4 AM that seems to permeate literature and music, and this piece will add to the canon of artistic references to that magical moment when night meets morning. Mr. Rosenwinkel joins the group for Slosetta, which is an excellent example of Krahl's ability to create a melody. As expected, Rosenwinkel gracefully navigates the changes, clearly enjoying the communication with the rhythm section, undeniably inspired by his harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic ingenuity. Jakob Kühnemann, conductor and composer, has been a highly sought-after bassist on the German and European scene for several years, and his contribution to this record is proof of that. Even though Krahl takes the lead on Drizzle Counter, in a beautiful display of technical virtuosity, it is Kühnemann who stands out on this track. It is not only in his improvisation but even more so in his dancing polyrhythmic pulses from the background and the harmonic insinuations in his accompaniment of Krahl's solo that demonstrate his musical mastery. Rosenwinkel joins us again for No Claim Claim, a composition so balanced that I wouldn't be surprised to hear other artists record or perform it in the future. After Krahl's melodically inventive statement, Rosenwinkel shifts the group into the next gear, increasing the intensity towards the outer head. Constantin Krahmer has been Krahl's pianist since his first album, Decidophobia. His patience, ingenuity, and keen ears make him a perfect accomplice for Krahl, and his both sensitive and powerful approach and accompaniment on Reconstruction of a Dream, as well as his harmonic and melodic inventiveness on Vinaceous Clouds (where he plays the Fender Rhodes), clearly show why he is an integral part of this unit. Ms. Ludgate is a funky composition with an angular melody that is another feather in the cap of the group leader. Kurt Rosenwinkel is back and seems more than willing to engage in a rhythmic dialogue with the spectacular young drummer of the date, Fabian Rösch. Throughout this record, Rösch subtly yet strongly guides the group, playing his role as a supportive and interactive promoter of the music. We will surely hear much more from this young man with such a refined sound and clear rhythmic conception. Flawless Sunday is a perfect conclusion to this record. The melody is another excellent example of Krahl's growth as a composer. The entire rhythm section truly shines on Krahmer's refrains, where the three colleagues push and challenge each other rhythmically and harmonically before Krahl enters and closes the record with his beautiful rich sound and melodic playing. It is a great pleasure to hear the growth of a young artist with such dedication and vision. Hearing how Krahl and his bandmates navigate through the vicissitudes of this music is an inspiration that can reflect in everyday life. A lesson in accepting the ever-evolving flow from one state to another. Growing, learning, and evolving into a new state, until the process begins again. In-Between Flow.