Brainteaser (ZenneZ Records)
Tijn Wybenga & AM.OK
Released June 19, 2021
German Jazz Prize International Debut Album of 2022
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m9xg2KGR7ku9VBPz0q8QzwgNQVrBOz3UE
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3uE1CWOSwVgQXu4UpcEvTK?si=eu5bFfEMS3-XKXSIlHJ7Sg
About:
Tijn Wybenga (1993) is composer and band leader of AM.OK (Amsterdam Modern Orchestra). In cooperation with Bimhuis Productions, that creates space for the development of exceptional talent. Tijn now releases his 2nd album combining jazz, modern classical and electronics into something that for sure will tease your brain!
Track Listing:
1. Aplauso 06:23
2. Triudium 08:18
3. Aurelya 09:43
4. Roofles 11:25
5. Neapy 09:52
Personnel:
Alistair Payne: trumpet
Kika Sprangers: alto saxophone
Federico Calcagno: bass clarinet
Odei Al Magut: trombone
Pablo Rodriguez: violin
Yanna Pelser: viola
George Dumitriu: viola
Pau Sola: cello
Teis Semei: guitar
Felix Back: keys
Tom Pritchard: vibraphone
Alessandro Fongaro: bass
Jamie Peet: drums
Angelo Boltini: live electronics
Tijn Wybenga: conductor
Recorded 17 – 21
August 2021, at BIMHUIS Amsterdam
Recording Engineer: Philip ten Brink
Score Assistant & Edit: Angelo Boltini
Mixing: Attie Bauw
Mastering: Mert Gencer
Review:
The Amsterdam composer Tijn Wybenga (1993) started a trajectory two years ago in collaboration with the Bimhuis to develop his musical vision. Wybenga wanted to explore the sound of the metropolitan music scene and connect the different sounds he hears on the small stages. For this purpose he founded the Amsterdams Modern Orkest (AM.OK), which consists of fourteen musicians of different nationalities. The name should be pronounced ‘amok’ and immediately reflects Wybenga’s ambition: he wants to shake up the music world. After the EP ‘Prikkel’ in a small line-up, there is now the debut album ‘Brainteaser’ by the full orchestra, which was recorded in the Bimhuis and presented on 19 June 2016 at the same location.
Wybenga has both
a jazz and a classical background and a very broad musical interest, all of
which is reflected in his music. This consists of a combination of
compositions, improvisations and live electronics. The starting point of
his compositions are samples of framed improvisation assignments given to a
select group of musicians. Not all of them play in the orchestra, such as
bass clarinettist Joris Roelofs, guitarist Reinier Baas and saxophonist Ben van
Gelder. AM.OK consists of the cream of the crop of the younger jazz
generation with saxophonist Kika Sprangers, trumpeter Alistair Payne and
drummer Jamie Peet as best known names.
It is important for Wybenga to capture the characters of
the musicians in his music. In addition, he tries to make them play and
sound different than normal. The latter is very clear with the four string
players who regularly play their instruments (violin, viola and cello) like a
guitar. Wybenga also often opts for special combinations, which results in
surprising colours. Double bass and cello form a beautiful duo on
‘Aplausa’. Strings and electronics complement each other beautifully on
‘Triudium’ and on ‘Aurelia’ the violin and voice of Yanna Pelser merge in an
unearthly way. Guitar and strings are almost inextricable on
‘Roofles’. The five pieces have a distinct atmosphere of their own.
In addition to color, rhythm is also very important. The tight, sharp
drumming of Jamie Peet plays a central role in this. The pieces are
rhythmically very varied and often have a pleasant groove. The many solos
also provide looseness. Striking in this are the enormous virtuosity of
guitarist Teis Semey, the beautiful round tone of Kika Sprangers, the emotional
parts of bass clarinettist Federico Calcagno and the fireworks of Alistair
Payne. The level of play is high across the board. The musicians feel
great about each other.
Despite the large cast, the layering of the compositions remains easy to
follow. The music is subtle and detailed. In short, there is always
something new to experience on this intelligent and exciting debut that is
immediately a milestone in modern (jazz) music. Only available on vinyl
(with download code).
