Kathrin Pechlof - Toward the Unknown (2018) [Hi-Res]

The harp has never had a major role in jazz, but then again, harpist Kathrin Pechlof’s music encompasses more than jazz. Her success in both traditional and contemporary classical music, her venture into a jazzy version of Bavarian folk music and the Avant-pop of Cosmic Groove Orchestra led to her consequent turn towards contemporary jazz and work with such players as Pablo Held, Niels Klein, and Sebastian Gille. Such a background lends a depth and breadth to Pechlof’s play that places her in the forefront of the new generation of innovative musicians. Pechlof’s trio of like-minded musicians alto saxophonist/composer Christian Weidner and bassist Robert Landfermann has been testing musical borders for some seven years.

Jazzthing depicted their first PIROUET album, Imaginarium, as “chamber music worlds of quiet beauty and understated elegance”. On their new PIROUET CD, the three guide the listener towards the beauty and challenge of the unexpected.

Known for his work with the likes of Nils Wogram and Kenny Werner, Christian Weidner’s PIROUET albums have received critical acclaim. On the present album, Pechlof’s partner shares composing duty, and acts “as a mirror, critic and sometime-catalyzer” in Pechlof’s compositional process as well. The two have absolute faith in bassist Robert Landfermann’s musical decisions and inspirations.

A member of Pablo Held’s acclaimed trio from its inception, Landfermann has worked with such luminaries as John Scofield and Jim Black. Kathrin emphasizes that, “This trio is a collective project. There is no leader.” As for their approach to music as well as life, “It’s important to move out of the comfort zone, to make what is foreign familiar, to internalize the external.” And for their audience, “There is a need for music in which the listener doesn’t just hear what he is expecting. We’ve achieved something when the listener is affected internally.”

Kathrin Pechlof, harp
Christian Weidner, alto saxophone
Robert Landfermann, double bass

Tracklist:
01. Kathrin Pechlof - Silence Is a Looking Bird (5:03)
02. Kathrin Pechlof - Fuge (2:53)
03. Kathrin Pechlof - Elegie (9:07)
04. Kathrin Pechlof - Feldfolge (4:40)
05. Kathrin Pechlof - Thema und Variation (7:44)
06. Kathrin Pechlof - Earth (2:48)
07. Kathrin Pechlof - Toward the Unknown (8:45)
08. Kathrin Pechlof - Versuch (3:47)
09. Kathrin Pechlof - Made up Animals (2:13)