Triosence has spent over a decade building an impressive following in Germany, enter jazz detente as east meets west. When someone is referred to as "phoning it in" then you can pretty much assume that while the musical due diligence may have been technically handled the end result is a sonic flat line.
Not here...
Triosence reached out to Seattle native singer Sara Gazarek who literally began phoning in her collaborative efforts on this project to pianist Bernhard Schuler via the Internet. The end result of a lengthy collaboration are twelve original songs with a keen sense of lyrical direction, rich melodies and Gazarek's pristine vocals. The strong melodic qualities both lyrically and from an instrumental perspective combine a unique fusion of contemporary jazz, fusion and folk into a release with potentially unlimited crossover appeal.
Triosence is an accomplished ensemble from Germany whose musical stock has certainly been on the rise as is Gazarek's in the United States. Opening with the bouncy "I Can't Explain" there is an intoxicating swing that transcends the modern jazz having as a label executive friend would say "More hooks than a fisherman's hat." Guitarist Vitaliy Zolotov and pianist Bernhard Schuler toss in solos with a tasteful swing to add the perfect pop of vitality and keep the tune moving in infectious lyrical direction. "Summer Song" showcases drummer/percussionist Stephan Emig as one that swings hard while adding just the right amount of driving percussive finesse to another gem with lyrics by Gazarek. The beautiful acoustic ballad "You're My Spring" is a lyrical collaboration between Schuler and Gazarek and continues with a gorgeous ebb and flow enriched with the acoustic guitar of Frank Haunschild and the haunting bass of Ingo Senst. While a more modern contemporary vocal release there is a cinematic quality to "Only Friends" which is another stellar combination of Schuler and Gazarek's talents and indeed a tune in search of a fine film. Lyrically driven music with emotionally charged harmonic twists and turns of a tune primarily acoustic in nature pushes creativity off the charts while remaining incredibly accessible. "Let It In" follows Schuler's belief that harmonic complexities can be scaled back without compromising the beauty and depth of a work in an effort to touch someone. The title track "Where Time Stands Still" is a gorgeous ballad. Violinist Andria Chang adds additional texture and closes a release that revolves around subtle harmonics and textured melodies and reveals a little something new with each subsequent spin of the disc.
Triosence with Sara Gazarek is a magnificent release. While referred to as European jazz with an American accent, Where Time Stands Still is actually a critics worst nightmare as it can not be conveniently labeled and I love that. The combination of Schuler and Gazarek is pure musical magic, a literally flawless release with endless possibilities. One of the 2012's very best.
A beautiful and touching hybrid of music, voice and textured nuance that is delivered flawlessly.
5 stars!
Tracks: I Can't Explain; Summer Song; You're My Spring; Morning Star; Like The Wind; Only One Evening; Only Friends; Maybe There's A Princess Waiting; You'll See You; You Alone; Let It In; Where Time Stands Still.
Personnel: Bernhard Schuler: piano; Ingo Senst: bass; Stephan Emig: drums; Sara Gazarek: voice; Frank Haunschild: guitars; Vitaly Zolotov: guitars; Andria Chang: violin; Lara Muller: voice.
Very special thanks to Michael Bloom Media Relations for bringing this exquisite release to my attention!
