|
|
|
Free’
The new CD of the Ad Colen Quartet is out.
The desire to play in a way that is ‘free’.
In his compositions, Ad Colen is always after narrative melodies, various
harmonies and wonderfully crazy grooves.
New forms of improvisation have been integrated in the structure of the
composition in a variety of ways.
To make this CD ‘Free’ the Ad Colen Quartet has sought inspiration
in everything that was going on around them, unblinkered and without restrictive
thoughts. A free way of playing, resulting in a wonderful outcome.
Things are going well
as far as Dutch jazz is concerned. The Ad Colen Quartet is a good example
of this. This quartet has produced four magnificent CDs within the space
of a couple of years. CDs full of compositions full of ambiance, dynamic
solo’s and volcanic grooves, where the individual input of all musicians
plays a decisive role.
Starting from September of 2008, Ad Colen got to work with a new quartet.
After spending a decade playing with fantastic musicians such as Michiel
Borstlap, Rob van Bavel, Erik Robaard, Chris Strik and Jasper van Hulten
he started to feel the need to explore a new type of collaboration.
Gé Bijvoet (winner of the soloist award at the NOS Meervaart Jazz
Festival), an idiosyncratic piano player who always gives his own ‘touch’
to any music, was an obvious choice. He was joined by Wiro Mahieu,
(winner of the Wessel Ilcken prize) one of the best contra bass players
in the Netherlands, excelling through his groove, technique and lyrical
sound. Yonga Sun (winner of the Dutch Jazz Competition), who combines
incredible creativity and groove, was the perfect fit. These musicians
were perfectly attuned to each other from their very first rehearsal,
and they were able to achieve the exact touch that Ad Colen was trying
to achieve with his music.
Not surprisingly, music reviewers have greeted the CD with great enthusiasm.
From the North Sea Jazz festival, to several tours and master classes
in Indonesia, and performances at home and abroad: the music of the Ad
Colen Quartet has definitely found its place in the international world
of jazz.
PRESSREVIEWS
Cadence (USA) David Franklin 8/9/2010
“..Whatever the ambiance, the music is well-conceived and interesting
and the improvisations top quality. Colen plays swinging tenor in a somewhat
Rollinsesque manner (his soprano is generally reserved for the more pensive
tracks) and his colleagues operate in a mode and at a level consistent
with his own..”
Jazzreview (USA) Randall Parrish may2010
“..Free is sophisticated and full of powerfully involving pieces
which exhibit a sense of unity and, in my mind, classify as works of art.
The Netherlands has reason to be proud of groups such as The Ad Colen
Quartet. They strive as “keepers of the flame” to make sure
that the Jazz tradition is kept alive throughout the globe..”
Jazzpodium (Germany) March 2010 by Markus Koehler.This
leads to an electrifying album of a soloist and an ensemble with genuine
personality.” ”Free is an album that exudes class, both in
relation to the collective performance and the individual improvisations.
It has a contemporary freshness to it and completely lives up to expectations
in terms of musical artistry. Colen certainly belongs to the top and there
is a strong unison between him and his band.
Jazzism (Netherlands) -Ton Ouwehand “...This is
highly structured, tastefully construed jazz music. A lot of musicians
will be able to enjoy Colen’s compositions. Jazzbands looking for
a fresh repertoire might want to explore Colen’s oeuvre”.
De Volkskrant (Netherlands) - Frank van Herk XXXX
“As soon as you hear the opening number, the beautiful sound of
Colen’s tenor sax touches you: an old-fashioned belly-sound, but
flexible, in the tradition of Rollins, but with a personal touch”.
Jazziness (Netherlands) 10 juli 2010 by Mischa Andreessen Review
of concert at The NorthSea Jazzfestival 2010 “The concert
of the Ad Colen Quartet was much more swinging. This group has produced
a very strong cd and they interpreted the compositions very strong live.Beautiful..”.
Jazz (Netherlands) 2010 Nr.1 by Angelique van Os XXXXX”.
..Free is an album that exudes class, both in relation to the
collective performance and the individual improvisations. It has a contemporary
freshness to it and completely lives up to expectations in terms of musical
artistry. Colen certainly belongs to the top and there is a strong unison
between him and his band.... |
|
