Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik Quartet: Moods (2008)

Michael P. Gladstone

Senior Contributor since 2003

I came out of my musical hibernation circa 1960 and hit the streets for a new education on the past, present and future.

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Published: September 3, 2008

Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik Quartet: Moods

For those in search of a reasonably unique ensemble, the Austrian-based Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik Quartet has something to offer. Rabitsch is one of Austria's most popular jazz trumpeters and vocalists, while Pawlik—her musical and domestic partner—is a guitarist. The remainder of their group provides acoustic bass and drums with the special appearance of electric bass and percussion.

Working as a team over the course of the past ten years, they have patented an interesting approach to their music. The tunes are all original and include a few instrumentals. The title of the album reflects the variety of the ensemble's musical moods. The closing "Knozen Beim Mnozil" represents mainstream jazz with simpatico guitar/bass/drums brushwork. "Moon In The Dark" is a jazz ballad that begins with Pawlik's guitar leading into Michaela's vocal entrance, while "Afrika" represents a spirited composition in which Pawlik explores the open expanse of the Serengeti Plains or Victoria Falls. Unfortunately, "Tren Numero Uno" is a pop instrumental that sounds far too much like the theme music for the old TV Dating Game show.

The absence of a piano in an ensemble like this is usually deliberate for free jazz artists. However, there is not any such application with the Rabitsch and Pawlik group.

Other than that, the group's rhythm section, Karl Sayer on bass and Joris Dudli's drum provide a firm and supple support of their sound.

Track Listing: In Silent Moments; Afrika; The End; Put It In The Pocket; Moon In The Dark; Tren Numero Uno; Moods; Quartual Guitar Madness; Dance; Knozen Beim Mnozil.

Personnel: Michaela Rabitsch: vocals, trumpet and flugelhorn; Robert Pawlik: guitar; Karl Sayer: double bass; Joris Dudli: drums; Albert Kreuzer: electric bass; Kornel Horvath: percussion.

Record Label: Extraplatte
Style: Vocal