"You are so young and play so great. I hate you!" It does not do the journey of the artist justice to reduce classically trained pianist Jan Prax to this best known of quotes, uttered by saxophone player David Sanborn after a concert at the Leverkusener Jazztage. Prax has received numerous prizes, and after his debut album with a renowned German jazz label, his second album is now released on Challenge Records.
Ascending – the artistic vision of the artist Jan Prax (alto & soprano saxophones, composition, band leader) to date in its entire spectrum, with influences from the Straight Ahead Jazz of the 1950s and 1960s, the avant-garde movement of the 1960, Hip Hop as well as Rhythm and Blues.
Ascending – the album by Jan Prax Quartet. As with the previous production Keepin’ a Style Alive (ACT), this recording focuses on the acoustic jazz quartet with outstanding partners such as Martin Sörös (piano & Fender Rhodes, composition), Tilman Oberbeck (double bass) and Michael Mischl (drums), this time with a line-up extended by high profile guests Bodek Janke (tabla & percussion) and Soweto Kinch (rap & alto saxophone).
Ascending – like the ascendant in astrology revealing a person’s true potential… like a developing improvisation, fuelled by passion and driven by the collective, a quest for ways of expression without neglecting the roots.
1 It's Time for 6! 05:59
2 This Song Is for You 03:16
3 Catchin' the Trane 05:55
4 Ascending 10:07
5 Lift Up Your Soul 07:09
6 Lost in Memories 06:09
7 There It Is 06:38
8 Nowhere To Go 05:28
9 Money Mike 04:12
10 Lift Up Your Soul (Radio Edit) 04:16
