Kasper Tom / Alexander von Schlippenbach / Rudi Mahall – “Abstract Window” (WhyPlayJazz, 2017)

“Abstract Window” was released in 2017 by Germany recordings company “WhyPlayJazz”. Album was recorded by Alexander von Schlippenbach (piano), Rudi Mahall (clarinet, bass clarinet) and Kasper Tom Christiansen (drums). Extraordinary and strange timbres, original playing manner and masterful improvising by three famous and talented jazz masters – all these elements are connected together in the collective improvisations of this album. These musicians are part of the most famous Europe avant-garde jazz musicians, they also are concerting and collaborating with other famous jazz masters. Since the beginning of their musical career, musicians had created and marvelously improved their original, interesting and vivacious playing style, striking and rich musical language and unique sound. Their improvisations are always based on spontaneous improvisations, vivid and colorful solos, adventurous musical language and unexpected sudden stylistic waves and turns.

Album music has dynamic and active sound. Collective improvisations are based on sudden stylistic waves, synthesis of different jazz styles, these compositions also have original and rich musical language. Big amount of different musical expressions, dynamics, special effects, colorful harmony chords and other musical language elements are the main elements of these improvisations. The improvisations have free structure and form – it’s not based on traditional form. Each musician improvisations differ from other – it has its own character, mood, playing techniques and manner. Alexander von Schlippenbach piano melodies are colorful and inventive. Experienced and talented jazz pianist try out many different playing techniques and ways of playing – glissando, wild fast arpeggios, other traditional methods of playing are combined together with innovative and shocking ways of playing. These improvisations are based on contrasts – soft, subtle and gentle solos fit together with consonance harmony, static rhythmic and peaceful mood. Sudden these restful and silent piano solos turn out to remarkable, active, energetic and gorgeous melodies with extremely speedy arpeggios, loud and powerful solos and sharp pitches. Alexander von Schlippenbach playing has many different styles, but the basic is formed by avant-garde jazz and various modern jazz styles synthesis. Sometimes his improvising soft and silent, sometimes – very active, rapid and sharp, but it always is interesting and dynamic. Rudi Mahall clarinets improvisations also are vital and dynamic. His improvisations usually have bright, contrasting, dynamic and active sound. Musician try out many different playing techniques – soft, peaceful and relaxing solos are masterfully combined together with memorable and admirable melodies, loud and sharp solos, powerful, intense and vibrant blow outs and other fascinating ways of playing. Kasper Tom Christiansen drums improvisations are made of wide range of variable rhythms. Many different kinds of rhythms are used in these compositions and effectively are combined together with piano and clarinets improvisations. Even though musicians have their own and unique playing style and manner, their absolutely different melodies, musical language elements, expressions are masterfully combined together in one composition. Together they create interesting, effective, dynamic and expressive sound of this album improvisations.

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