Georg Demel Quartett - Pale Blue Dot (2021)

Saxophone - trombone - bass - drums. The quartet without accordion instruments is always a joy with its airiness. When the somewhat more elegiac, more solemn trombone takes the place of the sharp, direct trumpet, it is not far to the purged jazz experience. The young trombonist and band leader Georg Demel is good at laying the tonal foundation for the saxophone with his trombone in soft, long tones or pretty melodies, while the bass and drums are especially brilliant in terms of rhythm. Music far from any risk of overstimulation, at times one feels reminded of the Jimmy Giuffre Trio in the incarnation with Bob Brookmeyer on the trombone. Bassist Stephan Deller, however, often reminds of Charlie Haden in his gentle moments, which opens up even more spaces in the context of the already large-meshed music. In general, the art of completing airy compositions with even more minimalistic play is at its best here. The compositions are cool, the band hot, but always with a purpose. Cantable melodies form the centers of the pieces, from which the musicians venture into the improvisational wilderness, but always with all due respect for the given environment. Ideal music for days under the stifling heat, but also in all other circumstances!