Qattara * by Co Streiff boutiques Sextet NEUF

Performer Notes:

• Co Streiff Sextet: Co Streiff (soprano & alto saxophones); Tommy Meier (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet); Christof Gantert (trumpet); Ben Jeger (accordion, piano); Christian Weber (bass); Fredi Flukiger (drums).
• Includes liner notes by Lislot Frei.
• Swiss saxophonist Co Streiff leads this quartet through an organic, multi-directional program inspired by her travels to the Libyan desert, namely a depression (Qattara) that was once the bottom of a sea. Streiff and her associates cover quite a bit of musical terrain here, yet the band maintains a sense of identity throughout. On this release, the listener will notice traces of New Orleans brass band-type stylizations to coincide with the soloists fiercely executed, modern jazz-based exchanges. The divergent track mix features African rhythms complete with Ben Jegers rather fluffy accordion work on the trance-like piece titled "Second Celebration." The sextet embarks upon free-form escapades as well, amid the musicians exuberant workmanship. Streiff is a melodic soloist, whether performing on alto or soprano saxophones. But Jegers inclusion of a clavinet and an old Farfisa organ produces a late-60s psychedelic touch on works such as "Siwa." Nonetheless, this is a captivating effort from beginning to end. ~ Glenn Astarita

Professional Reviews: The Wire (3/03, p.73) - "...The Energy Level is appropriately high, but the forms are disciplined and theres propulsive urgency to the playing..."

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Label: Intakt (Switzerland)