Niko Seibold - Grow With The Flow (2024) [Hi-Res]

A fine balance between a calm, gentle pace and a driving but steady forward momentum. A total work of art freed from ego and a true definition of 'modern jazz' in 2024

The term "Northern European jazz" often conjures up images of vast fjords, accompanied by a spacious, minimalist soundscape that hints at the supremacy of the mountains and the insignificance of one's own existence. A humble, meditative introspection is the emotional reaction of the listener. "Grow With the Flow", on the other hand, evokes a deeper, downright evolutionary reflection and encourages listeners to imagine a world without borders. The music inspires to consider the responsibility of each individual in realising a limitless existence. A fine balance between a calm, gentle pace and a driving but steady forward momentum.' (Nikki Yeoh)

The saxophonist and composer Niko Seibold comes from southern Germany and has now made his home in Switzerland. Musical diversity has always been a theme for him. Whether with the German-Tunisian collective Beyond Borders, his quartet Seibolzing or in the group of Venezuelan bassist Roberto Koch - his engagement with the material is always profound and never superficial. Seibold has gained experience with large ensembles since his studies in New York with old master Jim McNeely, including the 2018 Grammy-nominated production West Side Story Reimagined and the Metropole Orkest with Vince Mendoza in the Netherlands. Inspired by the cultural richness of his adopted city of Basel, he is now presenting his debut as a composer for a 17-piece mixed orchestra called 'Elfton Ensemble'. The album was prominently produced by the renowned British composer Django Bates.

"Over the years, I have realised that composing for very specific characters suits me best," recaps Seibold. "I love to emphasise the strengths and brilliance of very different musicians. The sound and playing style of many members of the band had a decisive influence on the composition phase." Sometimes it doesn't matter which instruments come together. "However, I deliberately do without a piano, for example, so as not to paint over the wonderful harmony of the harp - vibraphone - guitar trio." The harp in particular is rarely heard in such a central role. This could be due to the fact that Seibold is (apparently happily) married to the Elfton harpist Esther Sévérac.

'Niko's compositions seamlessly combine hermeto-esque and Turkish folkloric melodies, the natural use of odd rhythms, delicate orchestration often with a hint of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and the fiery sound of the New York jazz scene. The rich fabric of orchestrated layers, unpredictable ostinati and contrapuntal crossings is spontaneously enlivened by Jérémie Krüttli (bass) and Paulo Almeida (drums), allowing each improvised passage to take stratospheric excursions. A Gesamtkunstwerk of outstanding musicians, free of ego, completely present and committed. Every note comes from the heart and is unselfishly meaningful. A universal expression of where we come from and where we are going. 'Grow with the Flow' is the true definition of 'modern jazz' in 2024." (Nikki Yeoh)