Franz Koglmann Venus In Transit - Btl10186 - Jazz - by Between The Lines

Literature, the theatre, painting and architecture are the artistic disciplines from which the composer and trumpeter Franz Koglmann draws his inspirations. While other artists, ostensibly geared to the musical zeitgeist, lose themselves in the dead-ends of endless improvisation rituals or aspire to belaboured reproductions of jazz styles of the past, Koglmann’s music is characterised by a clear conceptual vision. Venus in Transit derives its unusual dimension from three compositions which are based on completely different approaches. The title track is a piece of theatre music written for a part of the same name within Beverly Blankenship’s play Vivace, an episodic crossover oscillating between opera and drama. Wahlverwandschaften (Elective Affinities) is Franz Koglmann’s homage to outstanding architecture. It relates to Goethe’s remark that architecture was music in a solid form and that the atmosphere which it created was very similar to the effect which music had. The cool aestheticism of Koglmann’s trumpet playing, which never loses itself in gossipy excursions, shines through/comes to light in the short improvised Epilog. Recorded in New York with the hottest (most acclaimed) young talents, the session is packed with surprises. Each of the protagonists is capable of blurring the lines between unorthodox mainstream and avant-garde sequences. Franz Koglmann’s original compositions and musical sculptures serenely combine laconic comments and profound insights to an aromatic blend. Buoyed by the enthusiasm of the players, the session is structured by the striking combination of the sounds of bassoon, viola and bass. Melancholy sequences are lightened by unrestrained guitar sounds. The dynamic excursions of the saxophonist create a colourful contrast to Koglmann’s virtuoso musical statements. Even in a city such as New York, where the hustle and bustle never stops, the artist from Vienna keeps his cool.