The music on this album, their second, relates more to the subtle and sophisticated branch of jazz than to the extroverted, loud and expressive tradition. Muted, gloomy sounds, the superimposition of compositional elements, complex rhythms, and well-dosed episodes of improvisation set the pace. BIG ZOOM plays jazz as chamber music. The occasional spurts and eruptions of energy, and the wild dynamics are in no way inconsistent with this, but are in fact part of the dramaturgy, acting as a contrasting medium for the musicians. They are often a short-lived opportunity to further elaborate the mood changes and atmosphere before they revert to a more restrained way of playing. The band recorded its debut album, Big Ball (Intakt CD 083), live at the Jazz Festival Willisau in 2002, giving it a robust and extroverted atmosphere. The studio situation on this album, by contrast, reveals other qualities of ensemble playing. In the seclusion of the studio, deeper zones of sensibility and sensitivity are explored. Extensive touring has enabled the band to develop an almost intuitive understanding.

Covert Art: Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger
Graphic Design: Jonas Schoder
Liner Notes: Christoph Wagner
Photo: Francesca Pfeffer

Recorded (November 2005) and mixed (January 2006) at Studio Val d’Orge, by Jean Taxi, mastered at Oakland Recordings by Walter Schmid, May 2006. Produced by Lucas Niggli and Intakt Records. Published and copyright by Intakt Records. Executive production: Patrik Landolt