Michel Wintsch & Road Movie Featuring Gerry Hemingway: Michel Wintsch & Road Movie

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: March 1, 2000

One of three releases on the brand new German based “Between The Lines” label, pianist/composer Michel Wintsch and his band Road Movie featuring drummer Gerry Hemingway, render a picturesque snapshot of vivid musical mind’s at work. Here we have twelve pieces, eight of which were composed by Wintsch that interweave and tell a story akin to an evolving plot, short story or movie. The admirable performances of the brass/string ensemble along with the fine drumming of Lucas Niggli and Gerry Hemingway, guitarist Jean-Philippe Zwahlen, vocalist/flutist Franziska Baumann and Wintsch present the listener with a series of loosely structured hybrid classical/jazz/improvisational miniatures. Throughout, the listener will encounter sturdy backbeats or undulating rhythms, zealous improvisation, sublime passages, crisp circular movements by pianist Michel Wintsch and Fred Frith style hard-edged electric guitar improv from Mr. Zwahlen on the piece titled, “Natalia”.

Overall, Wintsch and “Road Movie” have turned in an interesting set, while also maintaining a distinct sense of continuity or flow. Without a doubt there’s a lot going on, as the band produce music that should keep the mind’s eye thoroughly occupied for over 50 minutes. * * * ½

Personnel:

Michel Wintsch; Piano: Gerry Hemingway; Drums: Franziska Baumann; Flute, Vocals: Nathalie Saudan; Violin: Daniela Beltraminelli; Violin: Peter Scharli; Trumpet: Jean-Jacques Pederetti; Trombone: Jean-Philippe Zwahlen; Guitar: Martin Schutz; Violincello: Lucas Niggli; Drums: Jean Keraudren; Sound

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Record Label: Between the Lines
Style: Modern Jazz