Batist - Traumstoff (2012) Hi Res

Gorgeous and seductively simple, Batist manages to fuse jazz, classical and the subtleties of world and Latin flavors into a rich sonic mosaic. Much like the genres they so effortlessly transcend, this trio crosses over the artistic limitations of 'labels' and emerges with a fresh vibrant sound with unlimited potential.

The brightly colored tiles of a mosaic are in relation to the vibrant bits and pieces of musical variety offered including Sting's 'I Was Brought To My Senses.' Barbara Burkle's pristine vocals accompanied by the classical guitar of Tillmann Reinbeck reinvent a pop tune into a more eclectic contemporary ambiance. Far more than just a passable cover, Batist adds their own musical depth of field and breathes fresh life into the classic Sting tune.'Ave Maria / All The Things You Are' is a stunning modern fusion of the classical with the Jerome Kern / Oscar Hammerstein II jazz standard. Burkle does not sing the words, she makes the music. Tone, phrasing, articulation are all spot on in one of the most beautiful and well thought out arrangements available to the public. Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Invention No. 4' with voice accompaniment from Burkle is an incredible organic arrangement where classical and contemporary become one. The pulsating yet lyrical bass work of Steffen Hollenweger adds great character to this piece. 'Bimini' from Jim Hall opens with Hollenweger's double bass and is quickly followed with the punctuation and single note articulation from guitarist Reinbeck. While the instrumental prowess shines and this included the rich vocals of Burkle, the ebb and flow is virtually flawless as the trio shifts dynamics on the fly with minimal effort.

To create a unique hybrid without stripping the musical gears of the listener is an amazing feat given the sonic ground Batist attempts to cover. While earthy and seemingly simple, the complexity of the music is that of the arrangements and ambient feel that allow the sonic time traveler ample room to listen without ever becoming lost. An organic heart beat permeates this release, music with a pulse and sense of purpose. Passion is in full effect without the self indulgent after effects that plague most artists attempting such a work of this magnitude.

Neuklang is one of the very finest labels in Europe and they continue to impress with Batist. Traumstoff is virtually flawless and possibly a critics worst nightmare as it masterfully sidesteps standard categorization.