Thursday, March 17, 2022

Karolina Strassmayer & Drori Mondlak - Freescapes (March 20, 2022)

With their latest recording Freescapes, drummer Drori Mondlak and alto saxophonist and flautist Karolina Strassmayer, continue their creative adventure that began in New York City in 2000. In their eighth recording together their vision has further crystallised their original and deeply personal sound.

Freescapes describes the open musical landscapes that offer complete creative freedom.

The album includes a spontaneous improvisational suite in 3 movements, two solo drums & percussion pieces, a saxophone and drum duet and three original Strassmayer compositions.

Mondlak and Strassmayer consider Freescapes their most powerful and authentic recording to date.

Freescapes reflects the live performances of their quartet KLARO!, weaving together group improvisations and composed pieces while remaining dedicated to lyricism, melody, and the creation of beauty.

The sound quality is exquisite. As always, they have taken great care in the recording process–in this case, in a great concert venue. The mastering quality is superb and offers the best and truest sound of the quartet.

If you’d like the CD signed with a dedication inside the digipack, please specify this in your order

Internationally renowned journalist Doug Ramsey writes,

“This international quartet is one of the most interesting small groups at work today.”

1. Sing To Me Of... 03:32
2. Mallets And Air 03:48
3. Sticks And Flurries 03:17
4. Brushes Dancing 04:22 video
5. Courage 07:33
6. Hands And Feet Talking 03:47
7. Aahhh! 09:38
8. Both Held And Free 08:08
9. Octopus Dance 04:29

Drori Mondlak - drums, percussion
Karolina Strassmayer - alto saxophone, flute, compositions
Rainer Böhm - piano
Thomas Stabenow - bass