The pianist Irène Schweizer, one of the most important exponents of contemporary Jazz, at the same time rebel and innovator of the highest order, gave a solo recital in the Great Hall of the Tonhalle, which is world-famous for its acoustics. She played a programme which, alongside her own compositions and improvisations, included pieces by Thelonious Monk, Jimmy Giuffre, Carla Bley and by Dollar Brand.
The performance turned out to be one of her finest hours. Everything we appreciate so much about Irène Schweizer was there that evening: the freshness, the curiosity, the open mindedness that is familiar with all that from Ragtime to the Second Viennese School, from melomaniacal South African hymns to Cecil Taylor eruptions. This artist is as impulsive as she is down-to-earth, as determined as she is modest. Her performance in the Tonhalle ended the same way it had begun: with a standing ovation.

Cover art and graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Photos: Francesca Pfeffer
Liner notes: Manfred Papst

Recorded April 11, 2011 at Tonhalle Zürich by Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen. Sound engineer: Michaela Wiesbeck.