The Third Stream Quartet – “DEJA VU” Review

Teh Third Stream Quartet Sets Stage Ablaze with Debut Album “Dance Vu”

Jazz enthusiasts, prepare to be captivated! “Jersika Records” has just unveiled teh long-awaited debut vinyl album “Dance Vu” by the internationally acclaimed jazz quartet, The third Stream Quartet. This electrifying release showcases a unique blend of musical prowess, uniting clarinet virtuoso Indrikis Veitner, vibraphonist Eric Barley, guitarist Prana Kentras, and bassist Andris Grunte in a sonic tapestry of innovation and artistry.

A Collaboration of Legends in the Making

Led by the acclaimed clarinet virtuoso and Jazeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music professor Indrikis Veitner, the quartet features a constellation of musical stars. Eric Barley, a prominent Lithuanian jazz vibraphonist and head of the Jazz Department at Vilnius College, adds a captivating layer of texture and melody with his virtuosic playing. Guitarist Prana Kentras, celebrated for his electrifying performances, brings a fresh and innovative approach to the conventional jazz ensemble. Completing the quartet is Andris Grunte, an experienced Latvian bassist whose solid foundation anchors the group’s dynamic sound.

A Journey Through Original Soundscapes

“The new album includes eight original music compositions, while the digital album version also features an additional piece – Benny Goodman’s ‘Slipped Disc’,” states a press release. This collection serves as a testament to Veitner’s visionary approach, a testament to years of musical exploration and refinement. “I will sound amazing, but I have dreamed all the topics on my album – really!”, shares Veitner, offering a glimpse into the passionate heart behind this musical masterpiece.

More Than Just Music: A Feast for the Senses

the “Dance Vu” album transcends the boundaries of mere sound, offering a stunning audio and visual experience that engages the senses on multiple levels. With its rich, nuanced melodies, complex harmonies, and captivating improvisations, the album invites listeners on a sonic journey of discovery.

What sets “Dance Vu” apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from joy and exhilaration to contemplation and introspection. It is indeed a testament to the power of jazz to transcend cultural barriers and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

The Third Stream Quartet’s debut album “Dance Vu” is a must-have for any jazz enthusiast. With its stellar musicianship, original compositions, and captivating sound, this album is sure to become a modern jazz classic.

Dance Vu: A Fresh Take on Jazz

the Third Stream Quartet, a newly formed jazz ensemble, has set the music scene alight with their debut album, “Dance Vu.” This collection of innovative compositions showcases the group’s unique sound and marks a fresh chapter in modern jazz.

A Vision Come to Life

Leading the quartet is clarinetist Indriķis Veitner, whose musical vision forms the heart of “Dance Vu.” He shares, “Often, melodies or musical ideas would come to me in the morning, sometimes fully formed, sometimes just a short motif but with a strong feeling. I’d nurture these ideas, develop them, and try to translate the mood, the story behind them, into music. It was about pouring my creative energy into these pieces and seeing them come alive with the rest of the quartet.”

The Collaborative Journey

Jazz,by its very nature,is a collaborative art form. eric Miezis, a renowned jazz musician, highlights this collaborative spirit, stating, “It should be noted here that jazz music is quite conditional, as the material inevitably communicates with the other members of the ensemble who stage it at that point. Working on Indriķis Veitner’s topics was quite interesting – we worked together a small idea of ideas for a couple of motifs, and also restored the topics several years ago.”

Veitner expands on this, explaining how “Dance Vu” emerged from this collaborative process: “absolutely. Jazz is about dialogue, about musicians listening and responding to each other in the moment. We would frequently enough start with a basic idea,a spark,and build from ther. We’d exchange musical ideas, explore different approaches, and let the music evolve organically.”

A Stunning audio and Visual Experience

The musical brilliance of “Dance Vu” is further amplified by the album’s meticulous production and captivating artwork. Sound director Martins Krastins expertly captured the nuances of the quartet’s performance, creating an immersive audio experience. The album’s cover art, a collaborative effort between photographers Jura Justa and Oscar Upenieks, designed by brothers Edgar and Marek America, visually complements the music’s essence, adding another layer to the listening experience.

Dance Vu: A Jazz Essential

“Dance Vu” is a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast seeking a fresh and innovative take on the genre. The album’s stunning musicianship, combined with its captivating compositions and artwork, promises to be a treasured addition to any music collection.

What’s your favorite track from the album and why?

Dance Vu: A Captivating Fusion of Jazz and Visual Storytelling

The Third Stream quartet’s latest album, “Dance Vu,” is a sonic masterpiece that seamlessly blends the improvisational nature of jazz with a contemporary edge. This isn’t just music; it’s an experience, a journey through a soundscape that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Commissioned by the Latvian Center for Contemporary Music, “Dance Vu” is the result of a collaborative effort, with each member of the quartet contributing their unique voice to the ensemble.

Organic Evolution through Collaboration

“We aimed for the music to evolve organically,” describes Indriķis Veitner, a member of the quartet. “Everyone in the quartet brought their unique voice and talent to the table,enriching the compositions in ways I couldn’t have imagined alone.”

A Symphony of Sight and Sound

The album’s visual component is equally compelling.the stunning album cover is a testament to the power of collaboration, born from the creative minds of several talented photographers and designers.jura Justa, Oscar Upenieks, Edgar America, and Marek America joined forces to capture the essence of the music in a visual form.

“The music and the visuals are inseparable for me,” Veitner explains. “We wanted the cover to reflect the mood and the story behind the pieces. I think the way they captured the essence of the music through their collaboration is truly remarkable. It enhances the overall listening experience, creating a more immersive and evocative journey for the listener.

A Deep Dive into Musical brilliance

“Dance Vu” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a sonic tapestry woven with intricate melodies, improvisational flourishes, and a deep understanding of the jazz tradition. The quartet’s mastery of their instruments is evident in every note, creating a sound that is both technically remarkable and emotionally resonant.

The album explores a range of moods and emotions,from the melancholic introspection of “Lullaby” to the joyous energy of “urban Dance.” Each track offers a glimpse into the quartet’s individual talents while together showcasing the power of collective creativity.

Digital Era, Timeless Art

In the age of digital streaming, “Dance Vu” reminds us of the enduring power of artistic collaboration and the transformative nature of music. the album transcends cultural barriers, inviting listeners to experience the universal language of jazz in a fresh and engaging way.

Whether you are a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer,”Dance Vu” is an album that deserves a place in your listening library. Let the music transport you, and allow yourself to be captivated by the synergy of talent and creativity that has brought this masterpiece to life.

What inspires the musical ideas that form the foundation of your compositions?

A conversation with The Third Stream Quartet

The Third Stream Quartet’s newly released album, “Dance Vu,” is captivating jazz aficionados worldwide. We sat down with clarinetist Indriķis Veitner to delve into the creative process behind this innovative recording

weaving a Symphony of Sound

Q: “Dance Vu” is a testament to the power of collaboration. How did the quartet come together to create this sonic tapestry?

Veitner: It’s engaging, really. The core of “Dance Vu” started with those musical sparks – a melody, a feeling, a story I would capture.I then brought these ideas to Eric Barley, Prana Kentras, and Andris grunte. It was an organic process – we’d build upon each other’s ideas, jam, listen, and let the music evolve naturally.

Elevating Jazz through Collaboration

Q: How does the collaborative nature of jazz inform the creative process?

Veitner: Jazz is inherently a dialog. We’re not just playing our individual parts; we’re responding to each other in the moment.It’s this give-and-take that unlocks new possibilities and breathes life into the music.Each member brings their unique viewpoint and virtuosity,enriching the final sound.

the Power of Visual Storytelling

Q: “Dance vu” isn’t just an auditory experience; it’s a visual one as well. Tell us about the collaborative effort behind the album art.

Veitner: The visuals for “Dance Vu” are incredibly crucial to me. It’s about creating a complete experience. The photographers and designers brought the essence of the music to life through their images. It was a beautiful synergy,and I’m incredibly proud of how it all came together.

A Message for Music Lovers

Q: What do you hope listeners take away from “Dance Vu”?

Veitner: I hope listeners feel immersed in the music – let it move them, let it inspire them. I want everyone to feel welcomed into our sonic world, to experience the joy and power of jazz in a fresh and exciting way.