Toms Rudzinskis: Interception

Even the most seasoned sommeliers can be caught off guard when presented with a wine from an uncharted region. That might be your first reaction to Interception by the Toms Rudzinskis Quartet.

The Latvian-born composer and alto saxophonist offers a vibrant, nuanced session brimming with both tart and sweet tonal qualities. This vinyl LP (and digital) release follows his previous self-released works, the quartet album Abra (2014) and the quintet-led Abyss (2023). Accompanying Rudzinskis are pianist Alex Koo, bassist Igor Spallati and drummer Ivars Arutynyan.

Known for his compositions in both contemporary jazz and classical music, Rudzinskis broadens his sonic palette by integrating a string quartet featuring violinists Ivars Brīnums and Madara Marta Gaile, violist Ineta Abakuk, and cellist Madara Norbūte. A discerning musical sommelier might recognize echoes of contemporary jazz from the mid-1990s woven into Rudzinskis' compositions.

The opener, "Sky," evokes the lyricism and agility of alto saxophonist Bobby Watson's recordings with Horizon. Rudzinskis' horn, imbued with a honeyed crispness, dances in seamless unison with Koo's piano as they navigate intricate shifts with effortless precision. On the brief yet compelling "Flashback," Spallati's bass and Arutynyan's crisp drum work set an insistent tempo, gradually entwining with the string quartet in a mesmerizing interplay before the saxophone guides the piece to its intricate conclusion. Pinpointing the precise origins of Rudzinskis' sound proves challenging, as he masterfully interweaves elements of chamber music, folk traditions and classical motifs into his jazz compositions.

The string quartet is not merely an embellishment but an essential voice in his sonic narrative. From the quicksilver transitions of "Pass By" to the wistful, haunting beauty of the closing track, "Memories," the Toms Rudzinskis Quartet with strings presents a listening experience that demands to be savored.