Christian Pabst: Rhythm Riot

On April 4, 2025, Italian-based German pianist and composer Christian Pabst released Rhythm Riot, his sixth album. All songs are composed by Pabst and feature bassist Andre Nendza and drummer Erik Kooger, with whom he recorded Balbec (JazzSick Records, 2021).

Rhythm Riot is a satisfying musical exploration from three rising contributors to an iconic musical form.

The album begins with "Incoming Signal;" Pabst sets the tone with a syncopated chordal riff before Nendza and Kooger add a swinging beat. The introductory chordal figure is taken apart and put back together amidst shifting tempos.

"Mount Raken" is the longest track, a reference to the site of the Rakan-ji Zen Temple established in 1337. The surrounding cliffs are home to 3700 stone raken, "worthy ones" who achieved enlightenment by following the teachings of the Buddha. "Mount Raken" is meditative, shimmering, and features an expressive solo by bassist André Nendza.

"24-7's" angular melody at times sounds like an homage to Thelonious Monk; "SKY" (see video) explores a melodic motif bowed by the bass and then developed by the trio. "Kimnara" (the word refers to celestial musicians in the Buddhist tradition) sets a frenetic, double-time pace around a four-note phrase which Pabst explores at length. "Enigma" is built around a sharp, melodic shard and dips into the avant-garde in a rambling, improvisatory dialogue.

The album closes with "Encore" which features Eric Koogler's complex, restrained drumming, recalling Paul Motian at the height of the Bill Evans Trio.

Rhythm Riot is deep but crackles with life. The jazz trio is alive and well.