harry sokal "ROOTS AHEAD"

Harry Sokal: ten - soprano saxophone
Matthias Pichler: bass
Mario Gonzi: drums

Thanks to my 25 years of collaboration with Art Farmer and many other personalities and groups from the international jazz scene, such as the Vienna Art Orchestra, Carla Bley Big Band, Art Blakey, Idris Muhammad, Joe Zawinul, Jean Paul Bourelly, Dave Holland, Michel Portal, Daniel Humair, Harry Pepl, Jene Jackson, Andy Mc Kee, amo, who altogether have played an important part in my musical life, I’m now extremely familiar with all the different facets and secrets of jazz. Whether we’re doing BeBop, classical music or free improvision, in all of these projects as in my own combo, jazz roots always take the fore.

In this project, with the help of two outstanding Austrian musicians — drummer Mario Gonzi and bassist Georg Breinschmid — I have been able to realize my vision of presenting my own musical roots in trio form, in which drums and bass give support while allowing the most possible freedom. “AHEAD“ — Looking backwards while moving forwards ... Moving ahead ... Head First — characterizes the artistic development of many current-day jazz musicians who jump in head first to re-explore the old familiar roots who go back and tell the same old story all over again but in new and unique versions that can turn into full-blown renditions of today’s jazz.

“ROOTS AHEAD” features a high-level blend of classic standards with some of Sokal’s own compositions and improvisations, presented by the trio with high emphasis on mutual communication, ensemble interplay and dynamics ... In other words, totally in keeping with prototype jazz.