Takatsuki Trio Quartett (feat. Silke Eberhard) - At Kühlspot (November 5, 2021 577 Records)

In 2020, as live music tentatively returned to Berlin under strict regulations, the Takatsuki Trio Quartett organized a monthly concert series at the Kühlspot Social Club. Though the Takatsuki Trio Quartett, always includes Rieko Okuda (Piano), Antti Virtaranta (Bass) and Joshua Weitzel (Guitar, Shamisen), they exclusively perform as a quartet, inviting a fourth player to join them and lend a fresh perspective on their dynamic sound. This recording, At Kühlspot, documents one of those encounters with saxophonist Silke Eberhard, just days after she was awarded the prestigious Berlin Jazz Prize. The band itself derives their name from the Japanese city Takatsuki, located directly between two major metropolises Kyoto and Osaka.

Drawing from their namesake, they maintain a similar multi-directionality through structured ambiguity: Trio or quartet? Jazz or experimental sound? Minimalist composition or uninhibited crescendo? Between Kyoto, Takatsuki and Osaka is the unifying force of the Hankyu-Express train, a fourth object that draws the entities together. Like so, a trio becomes a quartet with its addition. At Kühlspot is the first 577 release for both Silke Eberhard and Takatsuki Trio Quartett. 

1. Hotspot Kühlspot

2. LITTLE PREVIEW FOR 'At Kühlspot' ALBUM

Silke Eberhard: Alto saxophone

Rieko Okuda: Piano, voice

Antti Virtaranta: Double bass

Joshua Weitzel: Guitar, shamisen

Recorded on August 20, 2020 by Antti Virtaranta at Kühlspot Social Club, Berlin

Mixed by Antti Virtaranta

Mastered by Jeremy Loucas as Sear Sound, New York City

PREORDER

Takatsuki Trio Quartett with Tobias Delius and Axel Dörner - Berliner Quartette (October 16, 2021 577 Records)

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

PREORDER