"GENTLE" is saxophonist-composer-arranger Faist's second album as a leader, and on it Thomas takes a detour, or rather, a vacation from the mainstream of modern jazz. This is music that tastes and smells of the warm, spicy, gentle breezes of the Caribbean and South America, with a dash of South Africa mixed in. It's music to listen, dance and dream to on a cold winter night or a dreary rainy day...
"GENTLE" is saxophonist-composer-arranger Faist's second album as a leader, and on it Thomas takes a detour, or rather, a vacation from the mainstream of modern jazz. This is music that tastes and smells of the warm, spicy, gentle breezes of the Caribbean and South America, with a dash of South Africa mixed in. It's music to listen, dance and dream to on a cold winter night or a dreary rainy day...
Faist is a well-known player on the European scene. His spare, soulful, understated approach and inward-looking musical style projects and intimate warmth. He has worked with such eminent players as Albert Mangelsdorf, Clark Terry, Al Cohn, Herb Geller, Bill Firsell, Sam Rivers, Dusko Goykovich and toured throughout Europe and North- and South America. He has participated in major festivals, recorded with various bands and worked with groups of his own. His previous CD "VISIONARY" met with critical success and his new CD "GENTLE" will leave the listener wanting to hear more. All of the compositions on this CD are Faist's and the majority of them are new.
Thomas says about the music: "I was trying for a group concept, not just a straight-ahead swing thing, where the front line plays the melody and the rythm section just goes ahead and accompanies with the rythm and the changes. I wanted special grooves for each tune where every instrument, including bass and drums, has a written or worked-out part."
Trumpeter Franz Weyerer is the newcomer in the group. Franz is a seasoned player who has worked with such greats as Frank Sinatra, Sara Vaughan, Toots Thielmanns, Al Cohn and Clark Terry. Faist chose him because of his compatible style and the desire to have the harmonic possibilities that the combination of tenor and trumpet give. Two tunes feature trombonist Johannes Herrlich as the perfect foil to Thomas' altro sax. Pianist Walter Lang and drummer Rick Hollander are much sought after world-class players with impeccable playing credentials. They are joined by one of the finest bassist in Europe, veteran bassist Thomas Stabenow. This is a well-seasoned rythm section, one that has often found itself working together over the years in a wide range of musical situations. They are perfect for Faists present project.
"GENTLE" isn't just another jazz album: it's a CD for anyone who enjoys the enticing rhythms and melodies of Latin, Reggae and the South African streets infused with the infectious swing and harmonies of Jazz. With "GENTLE" Faist and company take a musical excursion that warms the blood and goes straight to the heart.
Release: May, 6th 2002