2023-11-21 12:13:00
Those familiar with the Austrian jazz scene don’t really need much of an introduction to SIMON RAAB. The pianist, who comes from Upper Austria and now lives in Vienna, has been able to make a name for himself in recent years, especially with his jazz quartet PURPLE IS THE COLOR. He is also more than in demand as a sideman. With “those things falling” (Ö1 Edition), Simon Raab now presents his first solo album. Let’s present it on December 6th as part of the Kick Jazz Festival in Vienna’s Porgy & Bess.
Simon Raab had actually been thinking regarding a solo album for a long time. What prevented him from tackling one sooner was lack of time and a suitable occasion. This finally came regarding in 2022 when he bought a new grand piano. If that wasn’t enough, he had the opportunity to put it in a recording studio for a longer period of time, where he might work on his music in peace and in an intimate atmosphere and ultimately record the album together with producer David Furrer.
The extra time that Simon Raab had at his disposal is really noticeable on “those things falling”. The pieces, which arise from compositions as well as improvisations, appear to have been worked out down to the smallest detail. The melodies are considered and yet guided by feelings, the tension and structures are complex and varied. When listening to the album, you feel like you are on a journey through a wide variety of emotional states and moods, ranging from playful lightness and liveliness to melancholic and fragile-looking tones. Simon draws his musical line from jazz to classical to minimalist chamber music and experimental, a mixture that the pianist translates into a unique vibration, one that touches you from the first moment and takes you into another dimension.
With “those things falling” Simon Raab has created an album that definitely stands on its own. What the pianist delivers is a musical work that develops depth without words and fills every corner of a room with atmosphere.
Michael Ternai
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Simon Raab live
6.12. Kick Jazz, Porgy & Bess, Wien
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Links:
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Simon Raab (Instagram)
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