Articles | Popular | Future

ALBUM REVIEWS September 24, 2017

Marco von Orelli - Max E. Keller - Sheldon Suter: Blow, Strike & Touch

Read "Blow, Strike & Touch" reviewed by Glenn Astarita

The members of this experimental Swiss trio have been significant contributors to the avant-garde, or perhaps outside realm of European jazz circles for many years. But this album is bundled with perpetual reconstruction efforts, drifting sequences and mini-themes that are sometimes meditative in scope amid several transient pieces that intersect the full-length works. Nonetheless, the musicians craft an intimate portraiture framed on textural shadings, trumpeter Marco von Orelli's multiphonics and segments where pianist Max E. Keller summons darkness via asymmetrical ...

ALBUM REVIEWS April 9, 2015

Marco von Orelli 5: Alluring Prospect

By Glenn Astarita

Swiss trumpeter Marco von Orelli (George Gruntz Workshop Big Band, Tommy Meier Root Down) possesses a manifold musical persona. He's composed for TV, theater and collaborates with many notable European jazz artists and improvisers. But as a leader, Alluring Prospects poses deep insight into his enthralling compositional pen, bridging classical, jazz and the improvisational element into multilateral array of largely, energizing frameworks. With slight doses of classical austerity amid twisting choruses and stately themes, the ensemble also executes ...

ALBUM REVIEWS June 6, 2012

Marco von Orelli 6: Close Ties On Hidden Lanes

By Glenn Astarita

Indeed, an impressive inaugural release by Swiss trumpeter Marco von Orelli, who conveys maturity way beyond his youthful age. On call for writing jingles, session gigs, and theatrical productions, the conservatory-trained artist may have a bright future ahead of him, based on the qualitative aspects of this sextet date. “Urban Ways" is a prime example of von Orelli's cunning musicality, when considering the scope of these multifaceted works. With a pumping funk-groove and contrasting unison horns, the band ...