Martin Lutz (keys), Jacob Rose (as, bcl, fl, ss), Jakob Skov (as), Mads Ole (ts, ss), Lars Johnsen (b), Ricco Kjær (dr, perc)
Influences
Abdullah Ibrahim
Jan Johansen
Herbie Hancock
etc.
Sounds Like
Discography:
REVIEWS - HIGHLIGHTS
www.allaboutjazz.com (USA) - 05.12.2007
John Barron
On Where Are the Trumpets?, Danish pianist/composer Martin Lutz leads his energetic sextet through an invigorating set of contemporary jazz laced with the sounds of Americana. The disc’s ten tracks, all composed by Lutz, are cleverly arranged for the woodwind front-line of Jacob Rose, Jakob Skov and Mads Ole. Bassist Lars Johnsen, drummer Ricco Kjaer and special guest Paolo Russo on bandoneón add to the disc’s rich textural blanket of sound. Although there is plenty of improvised blowing from each of the group’s members, individual prowess takes a back seat to the overall ensemble sound.
Lutz’s composing leans on the influence of gospel (“Lazy Sunday Gospel,” “Baby Giraffe”) and South America (“Mango Tango,” “Happy Fugetti”). An eclectic writer, he successfully contrasts unbridled warmth on serene numbers like “Cobalt Blue” and “Farewell Niels,” with ostinato-based grooves on “Where Are the Trumpets, Mr. Ibrahim?” and “Drunk Young Elephant.”
The seemingly unusual addition of bandoneón to the group’s more conventional jazz instrumentation works surprisingly well. Russo’s energy is unrelenting and he solos with aplomb on the Latin-influenced “Mango Tango,” “Gone,” and “Happy Fugetti.”
The music on Where Are the Trumpets? is at once dense and accessible. Lutz’s soothingly simple melodies are developed with patience and diligence. The results are deliberate and refreshingly soulful.
www.nordische-musik.de (Germany) 14.04.2007
Tim Kleinecke (tjk)
“Where Are The Trumpets?, Mr. Ibrahim?” is the complete titel of the titeltrack - and this already says a lot: Nu trumpets, but Abdullah Ibrahim (aka Dollar Brand) seems to be present in spirit on Martin Lutz’ second album.
And like his obvious hero Lutz has the rare gift to write Jazz of sheer touching beauty. Accessible melodies (”Baby Giraffe”), fine grooves from different related styles and regions, wise quotations (”Mango Tango” uses “Night In Tunesia”) and emotionally moving ballads (”Farewell Niels” - probably for NHØP) - With Martin Lutz it never sounds pretentious, artificial or planned but organic and evocative. The fine playing band is joined by Paolo Russo who with his accordeon conributes with more than just some accents […] ‘You don’t need no trumpets, Mr. Lutz!’
If artists like Abdullah Ibrahim, Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock or Jan Johansons nordic “jazzpoetry” make your heart beat with a happy rhythmic groove, you shouldn’t miss Martin Lutz Group and their original afro nordic soul-jazz. With a charming and untraditional line up (3 saxes! and rhythmgroup) the band serves an exciting and swinging blend of warm, evocative world jazz with a hint of Nordic melody.
With two internationally acclaimed albums - the most recent won a Danish Music Award in the category crossover album of the year - Martin Lutz Group is one of the most exciting bands on the Danish jazzscene. Visit www.martinlutzgroup.dk for more information!
Hej Martin. Skønt at høre, det er Gateway der står for den digitale udbredelse og det tager vist lidt tid... Men sfedt at du har downloaded den forrige. Vi ses jo forhåbentligt ude i det danske musikliv:-) KH Alouise
Hej Martin! Dejligt at høre nyt fra dig. Og lækkert at høre at du boltrer dig i mange genrer. Denne CD med sang er jeg sikker på, at mange vil lægge ører til med glæde. Jeg er travlt optaget nu med alle mine gøremål i kirken, samt på det lille teater "Dorothea" i Kolding, hvor jeg spiller klaver til en juleforestilling. Mange musikalske hilsner og ønsker!
Hej MLG Hvad gjorde vi uden søde Roar? Han fik dig på Boldhus teatret i januar, hvor du spillede en sød børnesang. Så blev vi space-venner. Og forleden var vi så til samme Living Room Concert, hvor Roar reklamerede for dig overfor mig (og godt det samme, for jeg havde siddet aftenen igennem og tænkt; den kasket-mand der, det ER sgu da Martin Lutz, men turde ikke spørge!) Og nu tjekker jeg så lige ind og slås helt omkuld. Som om jeg først nu får hørt musikken for første gang. FOR HULEN DET ER FEDT! Den nordiske tone, det legende, det eksotiske, det alt muligt - I'll be back to listen some more, nu må jeg løbe; der er en Sussie Nielsen-koncert, der venter!
Jeg er vært for Songwriters Open Mic på Boldhus Teatret søndag den 27.1 kl. 20, så hvis du har tid så kig endelig forbi og spil en sang, så kan vi jo lige tage en hyggesludder samtidig ;-)
Hov, jeg har jo helt glemt at sige tak for det lille "add" og tusind tak for musikken. Jeg er jo enig med de mange andre, der mener, det er fantastisk godt at lytte til...
