Year: 2008
Record Label: Extraplatte Records
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: Michaela Rabitsch - vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn,
Robert Pawlik - guitar,
Karl Sayer - doubble bass, Joris Dudli - drums, Guests: Albert Kreuzer - elecric bass (track 2, 4, 8), Kornel Horvath - percussion (track1, 2, 4)
Review: The Many Moods of Rabitsch & Pawlik
High Class, Sassy Brass…that is the ever-evolving legacy of the Rabitsch & Pawlik duet when their Moods spin you!
Moods, their 2008 release from Extraplatte, is an “off the margins” collection of uplifting jazz and emotions. Michaela Rabitsch, partnered with guitarist Robert Pawlik, on this their third project, seem to have their signature sound down. The crossing of pathways with the brass and strings along the landscape of this recording, never travels on the same piece of real estate twice, always functioning under eclectic rhythms.
Offer yourself the galvanized presence of Rabitsch’s trumpet intro on “Knozen bein Mnozil” and you will experience the definition of a silky “feel.” Then segue into the Pawlik’s strings and you will then comprehend the gift of solid arrangements. The outro is highlighted by muted brass, a strategic and appropriate finish for both the cut and project.
The choice cut on this spin is “Afrika.” Bare in mind, Moods has all original selections and is a smartly arranged and executed “music sheet.” Moods is not your normal cerebral walk through the jazz park. This is an innovative jazz disc, bright, precise, and most of all, diabolically up tempo! Percussionist Kornel Horvath does not employ the “toys of the norm” found in the preverbal beat textbook; Kornel’s ideas explode off the disc, creating rhythmic complexities. The vocal expressions and tones also are unleashed with Ms. Rabitsch’s uncanny talent to deliver the needed color and textures to each composition.
“Moon in the Dark” has everything. Most notably are the tones from Austrian born, chanteuse Ms. Rabitsch, seductively proceeding to drive the lunar passion heavy with sultry tones! One more spin of note is “Dance,” which has that vibrant, classic, swing intensity. Nice mix of strings and voice.
This quartet has a sophisticated way of creating original selections while at the same time, articulating their musicianship to the next level. Seeing this ensemble live has to be a dynamic kick! Intelligent performers are out there, but Rabitsch and Pawlik are genre-bending workhorses. You can feel the intense dedication to their craft and goals surrounded by a fluent cast.
Moods create atmosphere…these Moods invoke feel!
Karl Stober is a freelance critic and journalist internationally who is still looking for the meaning of life through music. If you wish to contact email @ jazztrenzz@yahoo.com.
Tracks: In Silent Moments, Afrika,The End, Put it in the Pocket, Moon in the Dark, Tren Numero Uno, Moods, Quartual Guitar Madness, Dance, Knozen beim Mnozil
Record Label Website: http://www.extraplatte.com
Artist's Website: http://www.michaelarabitsch.com
Reviewed by:
Karl Stober
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