Graz Composers Orchestra Meets Claudia Döffinger - Monochrome (2018)

The title of composer and pianist Claudia Döffinger's collaboration with Graz Composers Orchestra, Monochrome, is a bit of a misnomer. The seven pieces, five by Döffinger, are definitely not in shades of a single color. They are multitextured, vibrantly-hued and captivating, and often coalesce around one or two instruments like Kaleidoscopic patterns around light beams.

For instance, the funky "Mumpitz" has a loose, swaggering cadence and energetic sparring between the band's three sections. At the core of the tune is trombonist Karel Eriksson's eloquent and agile solo that embellishes the melody within the ensemble's exhilaratingly riotous performance. Percussionist Conrado Molina brings an Afro-Cuban touch to the exuberant conclusion.

Elsewhere, the cinematic "White Note Exorcist" is reminiscent of a contemplative film soundtrack. The overlapping segments and their counterpoints create the tension that marks the disc's opener. Saxophonist Patrick Dunst's melancholic soprano meanders in luminescent, sinewy lines amid the darkly-hued collective sound. The sweeping orchestral performance leads to bassist Michael Ringer's lyrical improvisation.

The title track meanwhile is laced with an eastern spirituality as languid vamps create a serene and ethereal ambience. Döffinger's introspective pianism adds a darker dimension. Guitarist Manuel Schuster's resonant notes and simmering phrases go from pensive to blistering and blues-drenched as the music progresses.

"Elephant," which Döffinger arranged but did not pen, is a hypnotic and sometimes symphonic song. Drummer Thomas Stabler's percolating beats propel the swinging group performance. Conductor Johannes Oppel leads the orchestra in buoyant motifs around Döffinger's cascading keys and vocalist Ursula Reicher's lilting mellifluous intonations.

Döffinger won the Downbeat Student Music Award in 2017 and in2018. She also received a commendation from the 3rd International Composition Contest in Katowice Poland. Monochrome makes it clear that all those accolades are well deserved. It also demonstrates that Döffinger is an original artist with a brilliant career ahead of her. ~ review By HRAYR ATTARIAN



Track List:
1. White Note Exorcist. 9:02
2. Monochrome. 12:03
3. Foxes. 7:37
4. Der vierundzwanzigste Sommer. 8:42
5. Choke on It! 6:22
6. Elephant. 8:51
7. Mumpitz. 8:32

Patrick Dunst (AT) - soprano sax, alto sax, flute, clarinet
Anna Keller (D) - soprano sax, alto sax, flute, clarinet
Marcelo Valezi (BR) - tenor sax, clarinet
Thomas Fröschl (AT) - tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet
Florian Bauer (AT) - bariton sax, bass clarinet

Dominik Pessl (AT) - trumpet, flugelhorn
Gerhard Ornig (AT) - trumpet, flugelhorn
Jakob Helling (D) - trumpet, flugelhorn
Markus Krofitsch (AT) - trumpet, flugelhorn

Karl-Heinz Tappler (AT) - french horn

Mátyás Papp (HU) - trombone
Karel Eriksson (S) - trombone
Christian Godetz (AT) - trombone
Johannes Oppel (D) - bass trombone

Georg Laller (AT) - tuba

Ursula Reicher (AT) - vocals, synth

Manuel Schuster (AT) - guitar
Claudia Döffinger (D) - piano, rhodes, synth
Michael Ringer (AT) - bass
Conrado Molina (AT) - percussion
Thomas Stabler (AT) - drums

Johannes Oppel (D) - bandleader, conductor
Claudia Döffinger (D) - composer, arranger

recorded February 21st - 23rd 2017 at Studio Audiotope, Graz, AT
Reini Schmölzer - recording manager
Johannes Oppel, Claudia Döffinger - producer
Roland Rath, Andreas Kapfer, Simon Schindler - sound enginering Roland Rath - mixing & mastering

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