Phraim: Tides

In 2016 vocalist Nina Reiter founded the band Phraim together with drummer Peter Primus Frosch, pianist Stephan Plecher and bassist Marc Mezgolits. The band's first album /fɹeɪm/ was released in 2019 on QFTF records. The second continues the exploratory journey.

Using the voice as an instrument gives the ensemble a fresh perspective on "And Still I Rise." The melody is centered around a motif that Reiter sings without words. Her voice takes on the role of fronting the ensemble like a horn. The composition is well-formed with the core trio sharing a common, interactive jazz language. Mezgolits' solo is a whirlwind of modern jazz. Reiter's scatting is horn-like in her fluidity and phrasing. The interlude melody is given words; unfortunately, the mix has Reiter's vocals at a volume that makes it challenging to understand all the lyrics. Reiter's overall vocal control and scatting skills add strength to the notion of making the voice a legitimate fronting instrument for a jazz quartet.

"A Single Rose" features Reiter singing a beautiful set of lyrics to an angular melody. The opening statement is set to lush chordal figures from Mezgolits. The interaction between Plecher and Frosch is lovely. The composition has a straight-eight feel that flows seamlessly.

Phraim offers a distinctive sound that forges new directions in modern jazz. Its strengths is enhanced by each player's idiosyncratic talent.

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