Christian Pabst Trio feat. Gerard Presencer - Days of Infinity (2011)

Christian Pabst is a modern mainstream pianist whose style, although connected to that of the greats of straight ahead jazz, is original and personal. He was born in Germany, played piano from the age of seven, and has spent time in Amsterdam, Paris and Copenhagen studying piano. In 2006 he settled in the Netherlands and he currently teaches music theory at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. He has worked with the BuJazzO (National German Youth Jazz Orchestra), the Generations Unit, the rock-oriented Spiritbeat, the avant-garde DarkEnsemble and the Lubos Soukup Quartet, and he has toured South Africa and India in addition to playing regularly at European jazz festivals.
However the project closest to Christian Pabst’s heart is his longterm trio with bassist David Andres and drummer Andreas Klein. The group made its recording debut on 2010’s Days Of Infinity, welcoming trumpeter/flugelhornist Gerard Presencer and a guest on four of the ten selections.
26 at the time of this CD, Pabst proves to be a lyrical post bop pianist who creates thoughtful improvisations even at faster tempos. His close interplay with his sidemen gives the group its own musical identity. Highlights of the ten originals (nine by the pianist) include the medium-tempo jazz waltz “Tales From The City” and “Into The Lake.” The latter begins with some quiet free form playing before it evolves into a trio number worthy of Bill Evans. Presencer’s trumpet and flugelhorn solos during his four appearances fit well into the mood and are quite inventive.
Days Of Infinity is a very impressive start for the Christian Pabst Trio.