“There's something about live players that you cannot get with machines: With live musicians, you can strike a groove, you can feed off each other ... and even though somebody might make a slight mistake, it's all real!“ – Isaac Hayes
Known for the soulful jazz-grooves of their self-titled 2020 debut album, Matti Klein’s Soul Trio actually began as an idea rather than a group. However, in early 2018 three master musicians met in Berlin's Lovelite Studio with producer/engineer Jochen Ströh (Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, Jimi Tenor) and recorded a set of well-planned and even better executed live sessions in line with the above quote. Their interaction can clearly be heard, resonating with the sound of the legendary room in which their efforts were taped. None wore headphones and there was no acoustic separation; rather, each found their desired space live and direct, locking into the immediacy of the groove.
‘Soul Trio Live On Tape’ contains these very first sessions of the Matti Klein Soul Trio and comprises new arrangements of songs that had primarily been composed for Klein’s band Mo' Blow; favourites already back then, timeless classics now thanks to these exciting ‘deep-fried contemporary soul jazz’ versions. Their leader, known for his work as musical director for the Brazilian superstar Ed Motta as well as Mo ’Blow, can be heard on Wurlitzer and Rhodes Bass; Lars Zander (The Ruffcats, El Cartel, Lucasonic, STEREOFYSH) not only proves he is the most soulful tenor saxophonist in Berlin, but also why he has earned kudos for a bass clarinet sound that is enhanced with analogue tape delays, Wah- Wah and Harmonizer-sweetenings; and drummer André Seidel also shows his chops, incorporating elements of rock, hip-hop, odd meter fusion and the sound of New Orleans into his own unique groove jazz style.
As for the music, ‘Rocket Swing’ is a tenor sax feature in which a hip-hop vibe meets a jazzy fifth fall, while ‘Ray’ (dedicated to Mr. Charles) is a Meters-inspired shuffle in 7/8 time. ‘No Particular Way’ showcases the funky side of the band, with singer Pat Appleton in top form over a wonderfully creaky Rhodes bass. ‘Sunsqueezed’ is created in a wide compositional arc, evoking a ray of sunshine peeking through the clouds during a long and grey 10-month Berlin winter, giving hope for the next two months. ‘Eleven Feels Like Heaven’ is a joyful, uproarious gospel blues with a brilliant odd meter drum solo. ‘Grandpa’s Fairytale’ is a hitherto unreleased piece that is dedicated to the bandleader's grandfather, a former school headmaster who loved to read him stories and is a Wurlitzer-warmth meets bass clarinet groove in an atypical dynamic arc. Summarising their efforts, Klein states somewhat cryptically that “the band rolls in a warm, soft couch whenever there is a risk of having to sit between the chairs.”
Initially available as a limited fan item only at live shows, this document is now being released officially on LP and digital formats with the addition of ‘Grandpa’s Fairytale’. It as a journey through time, absolutely contemporary and yet wonderfully back to the future.
credits
released April 30, 2021
Matti Klein - wurlitzer, rhodes bass
Lars Zander - tenor sax, bass clarinet
André Seidel - drums
music composed by Matti Klein
recorded and mixed by Jochen Stroeh @ Lovelite Studio, Berlin
produced by Matti Klein & Jochen Ströh
mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering
Berlin-born pianist/musical director/composer Matti Klein is considered to be one of Germany’s most interesting groove-
keyboardist. Worldwide tours with Ed Motta, Mo’ Blow and his own projects have taken him to the world’s most renowned jazz venues, such as Blue Note Tokyo, Ronnie Scott’s, Pori Jazz, and Leverkusener Jazztage....more
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