Jazzdor Strasbourg-Berlin-Dresden is a renowned festival that brings together some of the finest jazz musicians from around the world. The 15th edition of the festival took place on 8 June 2023 at Kulturbrauerei, Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin. The third night was a memorable event, featuring exceptional performances from veteran American musicians, upcoming European talents, and a celebration of the genre’s diverse sounds.
The Craft of Tony Malaby and Tom Rainey
American saxophonist Tony Malaby and drummer Tom Rainey were two of the standout performers on the third night of the festival. Although not household names, they are highly respected and influential in the jazz community. Alongside bassist Bruno Chevillon, they showcased their unmatched skills and the ability to elevate the performance of those around them.
Tony Malaby, in particular, demonstrated his mastery of producing a wide range of tonal and microtonal colors, which added depth and richness to the performance. The trio, which also included Belgian musicians Jozef Dumoulin on keyboards and drummer Samuel Ber, delivered a set that combined composition and improvisation, resulting in an engaging and dynamic performance.
A Busy, Inventive Performance by Rainey’s Sextet
Tom Rainey’s sextet featured guitarist Richard Bonnet, pianist François Raulin, rapper/slam poet Mike Ladd, and bassist Bruno Chevillon. Throughout their set, they presented a complex and intricate soundscape, with numerous elements occurring simultaneously. Rainey’s precision and ability to hold the ensemble together, even amidst the intricate and multi-layered music, were truly remarkable.
The Next Generation: Musina Ebobissé’s Quintet
The third and final group of the evening was led by tenor saxophonist Musina Ebobissé. The quintet, which also featured alto saxophonist Olga Amelchenko, pianist Povel Widestrand, bassist Igor Spallati, and drummer Moritz Baumgärtner, showcased the upcoming generation of jazz musicians and their ability to keep the genre thriving.
Ebobissé’s fluid and powerful improvisation skills were evident, and the group as a whole displayed a level of maturity and talent beyond their years. Their performance left the audience with a sense of optimism for the future of jazz.
Conclusion
The third night of Jazzdor Strasbourg-Berlin-Dresden 2023 demonstrated the rich diversity and exceptional talent present in the jazz community. From the mesmerizing performances of veteran musicians like Tony Malaby and Tom Rainey to the promising future represented by Musina Ebobissé’s quintet, the festival celebrated the genre’s continuous evolution and growth. With such an array of talent on display, it’s clear that jazz is in good hands for years to come.
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