Zimmerli combines soprano sax with piano, bass, percussion, strings and electronics to create an appealing hybrid sound.

Patrick Zimmerli's fourth release on Songlines finds the New York-based composer/saxophonist once again investigating new avenues of expression. The record integrates the leader's soprano saxophone and other jazz instruments with electronics and strings to create an appealing hybrid sound. It draws on Zimmerli's wealth of experience in jazz, classical, and electronic/popular and film music. Sonically lush, beautifully recorded, and creatively mixed to DSD stereo and 5.0, Phoenix offers a varied set of responses to contemporary life that is both aesthetically intriguing and immediately approachable.

Loosely framed by the haunting, panoramic soundscape 'M,' Phoenix appeals to music lovers across genres. But jazz fans will appreciate pianist Kevin Hays' solo on the up-tempo, Latin-flavored 'Bird Dances,' Zimmerli's extended blowing on 'Summer Passes,' and the warm, understated rendition of 'How Insensitive.' Electronic-music fans will note the interplay of electronic and acoustic instruments on such pieces as 'Away from You,' 'Feel,' 'Clouds and Machines,' and 'Gnosis Crisis.' And tours-de-force such as 'Wunderlichen Städt,' the minimalist-influenced 'Only Surround,' and the menacing 'Beginning' point in new compositional directions for classical music. Each piece has its own mood and combines its influences in quite different ways, and each is given a passionate and committed performance.

With Tustomu Takeishi, fretless electric bass and Satoshi Takeishi, percussion, drum programming and electronics.

Track Listing

• M
• Away From You
• Wunderlichen Stadt
• How Insensitive
• Clouds and Machines
• The Bird Dances
• Breath
• M
• Feel
• Gnosis Crisis
• Only Surround
• Beginning
• Summer Passes
• M

Additional Details

Label: Songlines

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 64 mins

Release Date: 02/15/05

UPC: 774355154823