LET'S TALK ABOUT JAZZ ... and barriers
It is not uncommon for jazz to be considered overly intellectual and unwieldy - as an art and music form for the few, not the many. As a subtle way of distinguishing the educated and adults. But that doesn't have to be the case.
The Leipzig "Jazz for Children" project "Jazzalala" has set itself the task of introducing children between the ages of six and ten to the big, wide world of jazz in an age-appropriate way. It is well known that this works best in this age range if questions are asked at the beginning: For example, what actually distinguishes music from sounds? If there is a difference, what is it about samples that are used in music but are initially just a sound? And what exactly is improvisation anyway? Based on this, answers gradually crystallize over the course of the piece in a playful and interactive way, which should leave even the most critical youngsters satisfied.
The Shramm project led by Leipzig musician Jörg Wähner, on the other hand, is primarily aimed at an adult audience, but its wonderfully soft, crystalline sound will also find an open ear among people who, due to the reputation outlined above, generally avoid jazz altogether. Although the trio appears with a classic piano-bass-drums formation, the trance-like soundscapes are sometimes reminiscent of musical approaches within electronic music. This implicitly breaks down barriers in terms of musical genre boundaries. The new album "Androide Scrip" can therefore be listened to with the utmost concentration or while strolling through the city daydreaming. We recommend trying both at this point and then attending the concert at naTo on May 11.
Speaking of naTo: five days before Shramm, the Johannes Bigge Trio will also be performing there. The project led by the Leipzig pianist has long outgrown its status as a local insider tip and has established itself as one of the most exciting and promising piano jazz formations in the country. His new album "Clay", which he will present on this evening, once again shines with highly melodic, colorful piano figures and inspiring interplay between the musicians. The trio also underlines Leipzig's excellent reputation in the local jazz scene.
See you soon,
Luca
Jazzkalender-Editorial office
