Swiss pianist Nik Bartsch returns with his third release on ECM Records, the gorgeous and majestic Llyria. Named after a recently discovered marine animal, Llyria is an entrancing, intoxicating maelstrom of sounds, created by Bartsch and his band, who he calls Ronin. The group is comprised of Bartsch on piano, Sha on bass clarinet & alto sax, Bjorn Meyer on bass, drummer Kaspar Rast, and percussionist Andi Pupato. If you loved his first two ECM releases, Stoa and Holon, you will once again be in for a treat here on Llyria.
Broken down into seven tracks, all titled "Modul", Llyria flows beautifully from piece to piece, drifting from warm, meditative jazz to quirky, complex fusion, as well as sprinklings of deep groove and avant-garde stylings. "Modul 48" draws you right in, with Bartsch's haunting piano lines and the intoxicating sax of Sha lulling you into a mind altering trance. The band bounces into an intricate arrangement on "Modul 52", as complex counterpoint is created by the shuffling rhythms and alternating melodies on clarinet & piano. As impressive as the soloists are here, I need to mention the marvelous work of Meyer, Rast, & Pupato. These three consistently deliver some rock solid, intricate rhythms throughout this CD, always keeping everything in balance for Bartsch and Sha to solo over, yet their parts are invigorating enough to listen to on their own, especially on the wild closer "Modul 49_44", where Meyer's elastic bass lines and Rast's busy stick work are simply jaw dropping. Other highlights include the majestic "Modul 47" (which almost could pass for an early 70's Jean-Luc Ponty track, minus the violin of course), and the dark, yet sultry near 10 minute track "Modul 51", another tune with deep grooves and some grandiose piano melodies.
Llyria is another stellar release from the ECM catalog, and a sure fire winner for those who like their jazz upbeat, classy, and mysterious. Nik Bartsch's Ronin have proved here they are one of the most accomplished and exciting jazz/fusion acts on the scene.
Track Listing
1) Modul 48
2) Modul 52
3) Modul 55
4) Modul 47
5) Modul 53
6) Modul 51
7) Modul 49_44
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
