This second album is a great step forward for the sextet. If the first, “Qattara,” clearly established its direction, with a focus on African and world-music instruments, themes, melodies, and rhythms, while also referring to such soul mates as the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Sun Ra, and Andrew Cyrille, this sophomore release only needs a few relaxed cues and some knowing head-nodding. The constant, consistently lively, conscious handling of predecessors and their material allows “Loops, Holes, and Angels” to harvest the most beautiful fruit. Despite their clearly marked connections to roots, to the past, the Co Streiff Sextet’s playing is always quite modern and up-to-date. The music is deeply original, charismatically contemporary, completely in the here and now. It is clear intuition, it is conscious moods, and it is the knowledge that originates from movement.

Engineer: Willy Strehler
Graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Marcus Maida
Photo: Ornella Groebli

Recorded July 20, 21, 2006 at Radiostudio DRS Zürich. Produced by Co Streiff and Intakt Records. Published and copyright by Intakt Records. Executive production: Patrik Landolt