Daniel Erdmann_tenor sax
Antonin Rayon_hammond B3, moog synth
Jim Hart_drums
NEW ALBUM “INTO THE SWEET UNKNOWN” (BMC, 03/2025)
Listen to the album on: Spotify, Tidal, apple music and may others….
Daniel Erdmann, born in 1973, has often impressed with innovative concepts in his transnational bands and projects. One example is the trio of soloists named Velvet Revolution, in which the stylist saxophonist and composer, together with Theo Ceccaldi (violin) and Jim Hart (vibraphon), balances virtuosically on the tightrope between chamber musical richness of color and dynamic improvisations.
Erdmann has won awards for his productions several times, including two annual prizes from German record reviewers, the German Jazz Prize (Deutschen Jazzpreis), and the Prix du Musicien europe?en of the French Acade?mie du Jazz. His personal, nuanced sound language and his varied expression, between a charismatic-smoky timbre and angular-hoarse expressions are accompanied by refined humour that can glimmer through the notes.
Daniel Erdmann came up with the idea of Organic Soulfood about four years ago. Actually, he had been planning a study trip to New Orleans, but it was scuppered by the pandemic. Instead, Erdmann, tethered like everyone else, sat tight at home and thought about the future. In early 2021, his plan for an organ trio took shape. “In some ways, the band reflects my original intention to get closer to certain aspects of jazz history. What’s more, it includes Antonin Rayon, whose work I’ve been following for a few years, and who I definitely wanted to develop something new with.”
Both of his musical partners for Organic Soulfood were obvious choices. Jim Hart, a Brit in exile in Alsace, and as a vibraphonist the go-to guy for Velvet Revolution for about ten years, he is now a drummer for variable, dynamic grooves. “He provides a very clear, strong, and reliable basis that allows me to operate freely.” Conversely, a new chapter opens up with the long-awaited cooperation with Antonin Rayon. Born in 1976, the Frenchman became internationally known with an ECM production by the violinist Dominique Pifare?ly. In his home country, he also demonstrated individual qualities in collaborations with Marc Ducret and Sylvaine He?lary, as well as in Richard Bonnet’s quartet (with Tony Malaby and Tom Rainey). Rayon has a typical soulful Hammond feel, but he still appears to be a more atypical organist. “His way of playing is heavily influenced by his work at the theatre, which means that he illuminates many sound possibilities, even more abstract sounds,” explains Erdmann. “He also has a special timing that inspires us. His playing is very watchful and unpredictable, showing us paths we wouldn’t otherwise have taken.”
Inspired by jazz traditions and fuelled by modern playing attitudes, Into The Sweet Unknown by Organic Soulfood sounds particularly present, and reaffirms Daniel Erdmann’s individual urge to create.
Fotos_Click to enlarge
(István Huszti)
(István Huszti)
(Romu Ducros)
(Romu Ducros)