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Chico Freeman Saxophon – Heiri Känzig Bass – Reto Weber Perkussion

Two-time Grammy nominated saxophonist and composer Chico Freeman announces his new, highly anticipated project, featuring some of the world’s most accomplished musicians. Chico Freeman has collaborated and recorded with some of the world’s greatest artists across many musical genres, as well as led some of the most exciting groups and projects in the history of jazz. The unique combination of instruments and individual virtuosity of these musicians promises a wonderful collaboration of hearts, minds and musical wonders.

Considered one of the most significant saxophonists of our time, Chico Freeman has perfected an instantly recognizable approach to music and composition that combines his past experiences with a fluid transition into a future of infinite musical possibilities.

At first glance: A classic trio
But it looked and sounded completely different because the percussionist changed everything. Without Reto Weber, Chico Freeman’s Exotica Trio on October 10th in the Lehártheater Bad Ischl would not have been so exotic.

“The one who played with water” Weber inspired audiences with his talent for experimentation and stopped at nothing when it came to new sound experiences. Whether he was tapping his own head, playing the Hang, a musical instrument made of two hemispherical segments made of Pang glued together, or playing pumpkins floating in water: Reto Weber’s improvisational skills and joy of playing knew no bounds.

Bassist Heiri Känzig prevailed with an expressive expression and thrilled the audience with a masterful solo in the second part.

Saxophonist Chico Freeman – a living legend of modern jazz from Chicago – enhanced the sound impulses of his fellow players with a very melodic and dreamy style. All in all: a great atmosphere in the hall and great joy among the audience. (Yuliya Atzmanstorfer)

Transatlantic top jazz music by Freeman, Känzig and Weber!
Organizing instinct based on routine and a broad overview is the basis for a masterfully successful event such as the performance by Chico Freeman and his Swiss “backing rhythm team”.

And in the more than traditional Lehar, a jazz – world music – fireworks and celebration was “fired off”. The fire regulations were complied with, and the doubts of the numerous guests that had dampened their mood collapsed.
After just a few numbers, the “spark” jumped over. Many people immediately and happily became members of the transatlantic “music – fun – club” Freeman, Känzig and especially Weber.

This is how great skill, sensitivity for the audience, an immense fun factor for all involved, lightness and a lot of charm meet an audience that soon forgot all the Central European “killjoys”.

The American jazz charmer Freeman simply knows his job. The US jazz school, trained and “hardened” in the immense competition in America, meets the playful precision of “2 Swiss premium rhythm watches”.

As with expensive luxury watches, Känzig and Weber lay the foundation and, if necessary, increase the clock frequency of the movement.

You can rely on good Swiss precision engineering. The “old saxophonist” Freeman knows this only too well. And so he has and takes every liberty to develop and deepen a great and inspiring jazz performance with a clear openness to all types of world music.

This is of course based on a post-Coltrane oriented style of playing and ensures references to the various “schools of thought” of the original American music school.

Quality, fun, precision, great love for the instruments – these are the ingredients for a formidable concert.
Everyone went home more than relaxed, the musical sensitivity of many was more than deepened and the night was euphoric. (Roland Holzwarth)