This album features Julian Mazzariello (piano) and Enzo Pietropaoli (double bass). These two great jazz musicians have played and recorded many albums together, but it is the first time that they appear as a duo. Honestly, it is an understatement to call them a duo since in each song they play they perform as a single instrument. The artists alternated pieces from the international repertoire, to highlight two songs composed by Cole Porter.

Their interpretations and dialog “intertwined” between the two instruments were truly magical.  A total timbre, musical and interpretative fusion…. a masterpiece! Fone’s Natural Sound DSD recording fully enhances all the music from these instruments.

Julian Mazzariello piano
Enzo Pietropoli bass

SIDE A
Time after time Jule Styne 5’45”
When I fall in love Edward Heyman – Victor Young 5’45”
Perfidia Alberto Dominguez 5’03”
Just one of those things Cole Porter 5’45”

Total Time 22’19”

SIDE B 
Bluesette Toots Thielemans 4’03”
Dalle radici Eduardo De Crescenzo 5’09”
I concentrate on you Cole Porter 6’50”
Footprints Wayne Shorter 5’40”

Total Time 21’42”

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Their interpretations and dialog “intertwined” between the two instruments were truly magical.  A total timbre, musical and interpretative fusion…. a masterpiece! Fone’s Natural Sound DSD recording fully enhances all the music from these instruments.

Julian Mazzariello piano
Enzo Pietropoli bass

SIDE A
Time after time Jule Styne 5’45”
When I fall in love Edward Heyman – Victor Young 5’45”
Perfidia Alberto Dominguez 5’03”
Just one of those things Cole Porter 5’45”

Total Time 22’19”

SIDE B 
Bluesette Toots Thielemans 4’03”
Dalle radici Eduardo De Crescenzo 5’09”
I concentrate on you Cole Porter 6’50”
Footprints Wayne Shorter 5’40”

Total Time 21’42”

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“My grandson. His birth, in early 2023, had an overwhelming emotional impact on me. I experienced an unspeakable feeling of sheer joy and happiness, but there was also an almost unavoidable underlying sense of worry. What challenges await him and his generation? I had no choice but to start looking for songs of love, hope, comfort, life, and childhood, and perform them in the most intimate and vulnerable setting.

How lucky I was to run into pianist Jeroen van Vliet again. We had played as a duo before (at the closing weekend of the old Bimhuis in 2005), and he was part of my semi-acoustic quartet, Executive Lounge. His strong sense of form, sensibility, creativity, and musical intuition would make a perfect match for my intentions for this album.”

– Angelo Verploegen

Angelo Verploegen, Flugelhorn
Jeroen van Vliet, Piano

The post Little Dancer: Songs of Love, Hope & Comfort appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Partners in life and music perform an intimate concert of solo piano works that explore Holcomb’s Americana and Horvitz’ impressionist influences, recorded live to DSD.
– Mark Werlin

Solos features two distinguished pianists and composers with individual styles. Wayne Horvitz and Robin Holcomb have now been partners in life as well as musically for almost five decades.

They had appeared on record in each other’s company numerous times, but this was their first recording actually sharing the billing. Together… and yet alone, as each plays solo piano (a Steinway D).

The program includes original compositions (e.g. Holcomb’s 13-minute suite “When the Comet Comes”), three free improvisations, and three covers (including Wayne Shorter’s beautiful “Armageddon.”). DSD recording in a small concert hall creates an intimate, palpable atmosphere.

Reduced to essentials, the differences as well as the similarities in their music stand out. They both possess notable techniques, but it’s the emotional resonances and luminosity of the playing that really stay with the listener.

As Robin put it: “We share a wide range of interests and influences. I entered the world of jazz very late in its history with the exuberant improvising of ‘free jazz’ whereas Wayne is much more familiar with earlier jazz forms. I have played more early American folk music and Indonesian music. We seem to both be mesmerized by the harmonic language of hymns, for no particular reason. We are both drawn to the bittersweet in both melody and harmony – I find that Wayne’s pieces have more of a ‘yanking’ quality to them – a lovely melody will get ‘yanked’ into a deeply bittersweet moment which then shimmers throughout the music. I think that my pieces may be more melancholy overall.”

Wayne replied: “Without question we have very different sounds and techniques, our training and backgrounds are different, although at the time that we first met and also became involved in musical projects together we were both very influenced by Cecil Taylor (pianistically) and all the music coming out of the AACM and the BAG (Black Artists’ Group). Also Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea etc. were very much in the air. As improvisors both of us share a sort of two-handed approach à la Cecil. Also we were being introduced to the music of Messiaen and John Cage and many other contemporary composers and hearing the connections between all those musics. Unlike Robin, however, I also have a more single-note ‘linear’ approach that comes from playing jazz at various times in my life.”

Solos implies all these stylistic connections and more (e.g. the impressionism of Debussy or the pared-down elegance of Satie). But its varying moods flow together into a personal, shared artistic statement.

“Beautifully recorded…an album filled with subtle beauty and moments of darkness…”
– John Kelman, All About Jazz

“…staggeringly beautiful…”
— New York Times

**** “[Holcomb and Horvitz] understand what makes music interesting, organic, and listenable.”
– Jeff McCord, DownBeat

“[Holcomb] is a category unto herself, a pianistic analogue, maybe, to the guitar approach of fellow Seattle resident (and periodic collaborator) Bill Frisell…a music that demands – and rewards – concentration. It could change the way you listen.”
– John Chacona, Signal to Noise

Wayne Horvitz, Piano
Robin Holcomb, Piano

The post Solos appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Kohashi says “There is nothing so mysterious as sound. You can’t touch, see, taste, nor smell it. Yet music has the ability to stimulate all 5 senses; tonality creates temperature and color, while tempo and rhythm set the sound’s scent and taste. In the world of jazz, where improvisation is central, each of these elements are of vital importance to bring a performance to life.

On this album, masterfully recorded by Frans De Rond you can hear the touch of the piano keys sinking in, the movement of the foot pedal, the strokes of the bass strings, the vibration of the cymbals, and even the breath of the musicians. Thus you experience what we, the musicians felt the moment the music was created.

I hope that our music will let you experience your own set of imaginary vivid colors, sweet scents, delicious tastes and gentle touches.”

Atzko Kohashi – Piano
Frans van der Hoeven – Double Bass
Sebastiaan Kaptein – Drums

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Virgo by the Kohashi-Overwater-Verploegen Trio is the latest release at Native DSD Music from Sound Liaison. It is a 2 Track Analog Recording that has been transferred to DXD and DSD by Sound Liaison.

The Kohashi-Overwater-Verploegen Trio is a Jazz group that creates a unique sound, standing on an equal footing with each other. Atzko Kohashi from Japan, joins two Jazz favorites from the NativeDSD Catalog – Tony Overwater and Angelo Verploegen from the Netherlands in this musical combo.  Beyond ethnicity and nationality, they seek and discover their own sound sharing a passion for music.

Japanese pianist Atzko Kohashi had something special in mind when she invited Dutch bass player Tony Overwater to join her for a musical encounter. She longed to create a unique unit of bass harmony and melody with each voice being equal and contributing selflessly to the music. Her vision is connected to Japanese Zen aesthetics that generate simplicity and spontaneity. With trumpet player Angelo Verploegen they found their match – a soloist who can blend in, shine, and support the music all at the same time.

On a cold winter day, they met in an empty church in Amsterdam and started playing. For hours. Instantly the delicate sound of these three instruments blended into gentle and generous music that warmed their hearts.

A few months later, they recorded their debut album Virgo in the only way possible for such collaboration. In a beautiful radio studio from the 1930’s, with a great sounding Steinway, only a few microphones but of the utmost quality and recorded directly to a 2 Track Analog Tape Recorder before a live audience. The three instruments blended into one sound, telling a story together.

Virgo originally appeared on the Jazz In Motion label as a Stereo CD. It is now available on the Sound Liaison label at NativeDSD in Stereo DSD 512, DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64 and DXD.

Album Producer Peter Bjornild says “Virgo by the Kohashi-Overwater-Verplogen Trio is the first release in a new series of albums licensed from Rhapsody Audiophile Recordings (RAR). RAR is an initiative of audiophile audio guru Harry van Dalen, producer, and high-end tuning expert Michael van Polen and Prix Europa awarded recording engineer and Frans de Rond.

RAR records direct to a 2 track Studer A80 tape recorder. Using a completely analog signal chain, RAR generates an organic, natural sound with a visible sound stage. Harry and Michel also run the Rhapsody high end music shop in Hilversum, the Netherlands. Since 1988 Rhapsody has been the expert in high-end residential audio reproduction systems.

Specialized in tuning, Harry and Michael are known to be able to combine different audio components resulting in top sets exceeding all expectations. Prior to release, most Sound Liaison recordings are given a last test drive at the shop as Harry’s and Michael’s critical ears and constructive feedback continues to be of great importance to our mastering process. So, it is with great pride and joy that I welcome Rhapsody Audiophile Recordings to the Sound Liaison Label.”

Atzko Kohashi adds “Looking up at the night sky, we can see the Virgo constellation lies in the southern direction. Virgo is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac and the Goddess of Innocence and Purity in Greek mythology. The word ‘Virgo’ means virgin in Latin and the Virgo symbol is designed to depict Virgin – innocence and purity. Innocence and purity are also important elements for Japanese aesthetics, which generate simplicity and freshness. You see it in many classic Japanese art forms such as choreography, ink brush paintings, Ikebana (art of flower arrangement), Sado (tea ceremony), Noh (the oldest Japanese theatrical art), etc. Innocence and purity also encourage artists’ creativity and spontaneity.

Here is a well-known quote by Zeami (1363-1443), a Japanese Noh actor, playwright, poet, and aesthetician, in his treatise for the sake of art Kakyo (A Mirror of the Flower). “Never forget Shoshin.” Shoshin (初心) is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning ‘beginner’s mind’ which refers to the initial feelings or impression at the first step. Zeami suggests that one must approach life with a beginner’s mind, with an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions.

I think Shoshin is connected to innocence and original purity of mind. Zeami’s wisdom applies to any type of art form in the current era, of course to jazz as well. I understand this quote to mean “Never lose your initial enthusiasm. Keep your mind open just like a beginner and renew yourself.”

And here we are. For this album we have played our longtime favorite songs composed by our beloved predecessors whom we adore and have respect for. You can also hear our original songs that are deeply rooted in jazz spirit. And what is more, just like the old times, we have recorded the album on analog, which is the purest way for the recording to capture the moment. Throughout this live recording (with audience) we were forced to venture into playing no matter what happened. One shot deal. No more takes, no editing – very pure and honest, with so much presence. We hope you can enjoy our musical world view.”

Kohashi-Overwater-Verplogen Trio
Atzko Kohashi – Piano
Tony Overwater – Double Bass
Angelo Verploegen – Flugelhorn

The post Virgo appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

This session, with Jay Anderson on acoustic bass and Peter Erskine on drums, is as good as it gets, musically and technically: no gobos, no headphones, no second takes, absolutely no boring moments.

The longest track is the title tune, a Bernhardt original, which he hints was channeled through him by his maternal grandma, Amelia. Most of the rest are standards, revealing Bernhardt’s fertile harmonic thinking. They include Polka Dots & Moonbeams by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, E.S.P. by Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis, Prelude To A Kiss by Duke Ellington, and Desafinado by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Warren Bernhardt, Piano
Jay Anderson, Acoustic Bass
Peter Erskine, Drums

The post Amelia’s Song appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Their interpretations and dialog “intertwined” between the two instruments were truly magical.  A total timbre, musical and interpretative fusion…. a masterpiece! Fone’s Natural Sound DSD recording fully enhances all the music from these instruments.

Julian Mazzariello piano
Enzo Pietropoli bass

The post Easytude Live appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

This is a Pure DSD 256 Stereo & 5 Channel recording from Just Listen Records; the in-house label of NativeDSD.  No equalization, mixing, compression or editing is used on this album. All DSD bit rates were created in the DSD Domain using Signalyst HQ Player 4 Pro mastering tools. Recording engineer Jared Sacks, produced by Jonas Sacks

Angelo Verploegen says “Over the last decade or so I find myself leaving the tempting and obvious juvenile trumpeting bravura more behind me and returning to my musical starting point: the flugelhorn. Although the instrument is a trumpet with a ’softer’ sound, and all too often treated like that by many trumpeters, the flugelhorn stands firmly by itself with all its own characteristics and specifications.

Literally being brought up with the flugelhorn, I feel at ease with the way the horn requires its own approach of phrasing and articulation. This enables me to reach the level of lyricism and intimacy I’m looking for in my playing.

So when Just Listen Records invited me to do a recording for the label at their specific terms (play live, in balance, no mixing, no editing, just capturing the live music as it is with the best possible equipment at the best suitable venue) it was obvious for me to return once more to my first love – the flugelhorn.

Having done numerous (sometimes over-organized) recording sessions with mostly originally composed and arranged repertoire I now felt the need for a lusher approach. More like a gathering of old friends, sharing each other’s life stories and experiences. That led me automatically to my old-time soulmate’s guitar player Ed Verhoeff and bassist Eric van der Westen. 17 years ago, we started off as Verploegen, Verhoeff & van der Westen, performing a lot and recording our critically acclaimed debut album The Night And The Daydreamer. Later, we changed the name into Amsterdam Jazz Trio for a Japan tour and released another album For The Time Being. And then, what often happens after several years of extensive work, we went our own ways… To be reunited for this unique recording project!

As for the repertoire, I simply picked ‘standard’ tunes I grew fond of over the years, looking for a certain degree of variety in melody, harmony, formal structure, keeping the drum-less trio sound in mind, allowing it to flourish, creating a casual, lush and intimate atmosphere.”

Hope you enjoy!

Angelo Verploegen – Flugelhorn
Ed Verhoeff – Guitar
Eric Van Der Western – Double Bass

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9dkM2fY5Jk

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