The quintet Pilgrim, founded by Zurich based tenor Saxophoneophonist Christoph Irniger, has become over the years one of the most exciting ensembles in young European Jazz. After the highly praised group’s latest studio recording 'Italian Circus Story', Pilgrim - driven by enthusiasm and inventiveness - presents the vibrant live album 'Big Wheel'. Recorded during acclaimed concerts in Ratzeburg, Berlin and Altenburg, Pilgrim plays full of verve, with plenty of room for spontaneity and improvisation and demonstrates impressively their pulsating music. Henning Bolte writes in the liner notes: „Pilgrim creates a deep field of sound with alternating foreground and background, full of echo effects, fading surfaces, frizzing lines, and swirls like falling leaves. This tonal richness is no self-sufficient affair, but time after time it emerges from unusual, surprising turning points and dynamic openings.“

Cover art: Danny Gretscher
Graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Henning Bolte
Photo: Cees van de Ven

Recorded live in November 2015 by Hannes Kumke. Tracks 1, 5 & 6 at Rokokosaal at Kreismuseum, Ratzeburg, 2 at Jazzclub A-Trane, Berlin, 3 & 4 at Jazzklub Altenburg, Altenburg. Mixed by Hannes Kumke. Mastered by Alex Huber.
Produced by Christoph Irniger and Intakt Records. Published by Intakt Records.