February 2001

New & Noteworthy
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By Glenn Astarita

One of several recent releases from the newly formed modern jazz/cross genre UK-based label “November Music”, Electric Cafe serves as a prime example of this outfit’s winning formula! Inscribed with classy artwork, sturdy packaging and a thoroughly appealing layout brimming with multicolored designs and informative text, the folks at “ November Music” go to great lengths to seize the tone or vibe of the music at hand. With this release, Austrian multi-instrumentalist/woodwind specialist Max Nagl and his quintet pay a bit of homage to those great madams of the silent movie era on this extremely bracing and ingeniously produced set, titled Cafe Electric.

Basically, the musicians utilize their instruments to invoke or perhaps capture the mood of those antique cinematic epics via Nagl’s shrewdly concocted compositions that feature elements of tango, American bluegrass, Parisian themes, whimsical melodies, modern jazz style improvisation and the band’s harmonious interplay. However, Nagl’s entourage also melds quaint classical overtones with simply stated themes into their seemingly vast repertoire as the guardian angel of the silent film era was most assuredly hovering atop the musical proceedings.

German director Erich Von Stroheim’s 1925 classic motion picture, “Greed” serves as the inspiration for Nagl’s composition of the same title. Here, violinist Joanna Lewis engages in a bit of Shenandoah Valley style bluegrass in conjunction with the musicians pursuance of odd-metered charts, circular patterns and pianist Josef Novotny’s perspicacious explorations. On “Taboo”, we are treated to the radiant and memorably melodic unison choruses provided by Nagl, performing on baritone sax in concert with Ms. Lewis’ tender passages and velvety lines.

Overall, Electric Cafe is a refreshing entry into our ever evolving modern jazz/new music legacy, as memoirs of the past receive a modern day makeover via novel propositions and outstanding ensemble work. Highly recommended!

* * * * œ (Out of * * * * *)

Track listing: Enticing, Lost Girl, Die freudlose Gasse, Cafe’ Electric, Pomme d’Asphalt, M-abuse, Greed, Nosferatu, Taboo, Stumm, s’Vaserl, Count Ossdorf, Permanent

Personnel: Joanna Lewis; violin: Max Nagl; saxes/clarinet, melodica, sampler, voice, glockenspiel: Josef Novotny; piano, harmonium: Achim Tang; bass: Patrice Heral; percussion, drums, voice, tablas.