Secrecy

Axel Schlosser (tp, fl-h) Julian Argelles (ts) Martin Sjstedt (b) Jean-Paul Hchstdter (dr) Recorded March 29 and 30, 2008 at Hansahaus Studios, Bonn, Germany Mixed August 11 and 12, 2008 at Hansahaus Studios, Bonn, Germany Recording and mixing engineer: Oliver Bergner Mastered August 14, 2008 at Soundgarden, Hamburg, Germany Mastering engineer: Chris von Rautenkranz At the moment Axel Schlosser is solo trumpet player in the Hessischer Rundfunk Bigband in Frankfurt, Germany. He teaches at the music high schools in Frankfurt and Mainz and he has, as soloist and bandleader, toured whole Europe. His current band is equipped with real headliners of the European jazz scene: The tenor saxophone is played by Julian Argelles, Great Britain, who works himself as bandleader and composer; he is known as partner of Kenny Wheeler, Carla Bley and Django Bates. On the bass is Swedens number 1 in this subject - Martin Sjstedt. He recently played with artists as Viktoria Tolstoy, Joey Calderazzo or Joe Lovano. Drummer of the band is Jean Paul Hchstdter, who often plays with Jim McNealy, Brian Lynch or Ted Nash. With concentrated force this top-class ensemble stages ten new compositions of Axel Schlosser, who arranged them especially for a quartet without a harmonic instrument. Typical are the contrasts which are consciously developed and established, but also the intertwining and fusion of it's poles. Pulsating improvisations bursting with energy, heartbreaking melancholy, widely stretching horizontal harmonies, catchy themes, the search for creative expression, crossing of traditional, nearly forgotten playing techniques and contemporary sound concepts, deep emotions, thrilling tunes binding and holding the listener, distinct intensity within the whole musical spectrum, from the heavy and impetuous to the soft and fragile end - all these are only words to describe Axel Schlossers music. The best is to listen to it and to judge yourself. 'Secrecy' is a new splendid album of Axel Schlosser. It's advancing and powerful music is fascinating the listener from the beginning to end.