A good rhythm section is the foundation of any good band. Not only does it provide the beat and feel, but it shapes the music in so many ways. Jan Roder and Michael Griener have been such a rhythm section for over thirty years, and if proof were needed, here it is. For the first time there is an overview of their work together from the very beginning.
Their flexibility and originality made them one of the most sought-after rhythm sections at the intersection of jazz, avant-garde and free improvisation, shaping what we call the Berlin jazz sound at the turn of the millennium.
The recordings were compiled from a variety of sources, including concert recordings, released and unreleased studio recordings, and even some recordings from private sessions. Alex Huber of SonarRec carefully restored all the sources and made them listenable.
The first CD harks back to their early days playing together in the 1990s and gives an insight into their past projects. The second CD focuses on more recent projects from 2020 to the present, and revolves around a week in November 2021 at the now defunct Berlin club Au Topsi Pohl, where they played every night in two different formations. This resulted in the double LP Monk’s Casino and the CD Wald with Taiko Saito, excerpts of which can also be heard on this compilation.
This collection gives a good insight into their musical work, and these recordings represent a testimony to the Berlin (and beyond) jazz scene from then until today.
Label: Trouble In The East – TITE-REC 036
Format: 2 x CD, Album
https://www.grienerroder.net
Release date: 17. Aug. 2024
