What we get to hear on this album is a transatlantic encounter that casts an up-to-date yet historical light on many relations and cross-links. The African-American jazz community of New York has formed the drummer Andrew Cyrille, the Saxophoneophonist Oliver Lake and the bassist Reggie Workman; and they have rewarded this environment with important stimuli – e.g. as peers of artists like John Coltrane, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp. – As a pioneer of the European jazz piano, Irène Schweizer is also part of this history. She has already worked with Andrew Cyrille twenty years ago. It is wonderful to hear how relaxed they improvise on this CD. Virtuosity is barely an issue – it is unpretentiously presumed. So this is really about the balance of sound, energy and rhythm, about solos, duos and trios – and quartet formations that allow individual qualities to unfold. It is fascinating how the well-rehearsed trio opens up to the guest to allow the voices to unfurl and to connect. Irène Schweizer’s agility to integrate into the trio is very persuasive, and she delivers enriching ornaments and insertions in the composed pieces in a way one rarely hears.

Cover art: Oliver Lake
Graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Peter Kraut
Photo: Francesca Pfeffer

Oliver Lake, Talkin Stick Pub (SESAC). Reggie Workman, Sculptured Sounds Pub (BMI). Andrew Cyrille, Major-AMusic Pub (ASCAP). Irène Schweizer (SUISA). Recorded November 23, 2007 at taktlos berne except “R. I. Exchange 1” recorded November 24, 2007, Unerhört! Rote Fabrik Zürich. Recorded by Willy Strehler. Mixed by Willy Strehler at Studio Klangdach, Guntershausen, Switzerland. Produced by Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt.