As the world tentatively emerged from the pandemic in the summer of 2020, under the strict impositions of COVID regulations, Berlin-based Takatsuki Trio Quartett celebrated by organizing a monthly concert series at Kühlspot Social Club in Berlin. The Takatsuki Trio Quartett is comprised of three core members, Rieko Okuda (Piano, Voice), Antti Virtaranta (Bass) and Joshua Weitzel (Guitar, Shamisen) but they exclusively play as a larger ensemble, inviting other musicians to lend energy to their improvisational dynamic. Playing under the name, the “Berliner Quartette,” this album documents their performances with two influential figures in the German improvised music community.
The first track, an experimental 30-minute collaboration with Axel Dörner (Trumpet) makes space for Dorner’s bold command of his instrument alongside the track’s other avant-garde components. It gives way to the second track featuring Tobias Delius (Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet), an upbeat reprise with warm swingtime melodies and competing tensions. These short experimental projects precede a larger collaboration between the Takatsuki Trio Quartett and Silke Eberhard, available on 577 Records on November 5. Berliner Quartette will be released in CD and digital editions on October 16, 2021.
1. With Axel Dörner
2. With Tobias Delius
Tobias Delius – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet
Axel Dörner - Trumpet
Rieko Okuda – Piano, Voice
Antti Virtaranta – Double Bass
Joshua Weitzel – Guitar, Shamisen
Recorded on June 25 (track 2) and September 24 (track 1), 2020 by Antti Virtaranta at Kühlspot Social Club, Berlin
Mixed and mastered by Antti Virtaranta
All music by Tobias Delius (BUMA/STEMRA), Axel Dörner (GEMA), Rieko Okuda (GEMA), Antti Virtaranta, Joshua Weitzel (GEMA)
Artwork by Christoph Kühl
Album design by Mark Smith
Orbit577 is part of 577 Records
Brooklyn, New York
