Highly charged stimulating jazz Clemens Grassmann – MIDNIGHT APPLE: I was absolutely amazed when I reviewed Clemens “Labyrinths & Tales“, his highly unique and creative debut album.. he got VERY high marks from me for that one… though it’s a bit shorter than the one I reviewed, his new album is among the most highly charged & stimulating jazz experiences you will listen to in 2019. I’ve also included an earlier video that Clemens sent my way…
…there are many more videos, too, so be sure to SUBSCRIBE to Clemens YouTube channel.
Clemens drumming clearly “drives the train”, as you’ll hear on the fantastic energy he and his players (David Milazzo (alto sax), Alex Madeline (tenor sax), Jernej Bervar (guitar), Yoav Eshed (guitar), and Nick Dunston (bass)) create on the 3:57 “On The Treadmill“…. man, when the guitar kicks in at the 1:58 mark, this sucker just TAKES OFF… I can’t help but think “Sonny Sharrock” as I listen to this one… this is a SMOKER that you’ll find yourself spinning over & over & over again… it IMMEDIATELY earned a prime spot on my iPhone player!
“The Beat Zapps” starts off in a slightly more mellow zone, but morphs it’s way gently into one of the most stratospheric pieces of jazz I’ve listened to (yet) in 2019… each of the players displays high energy & high talent, and they are TOTALLY together throughout the piece.
The title track, “Midnight Apple“, was inspired by Ahmad Jamal’s “Poinciana”, and will bring thrills to the aural appendages of both traditionalists and free jazzers alike… I can easily see this original composition by Clemens being nominated for (and WINNING) awards – as well as MAJOR spins on jazz stations across the globe… make no mistake, peepz’… you’ll BE hearing this tune!
The most exciting piece (for this reviewer, to be sure) is the closer, “Mystic”… the interplay between the drums & bass on the intro, and the masterful fusion of all the other players as the tune progresses is quite amazing and inspirational; it’s definitely my personal favorite of the six Clemens offers up for your jazz listening pleasure.
I give Clemens and his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent jazz excursion. Learn more about this fascinating creator on the Clemens Grassmann website. Rotcod Zzaj
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