MURIEL GROSSMANN レコード& CD

Review: Muriel Grossmann's latest offering is a radiant journey into spiritual jazz, rich with groove and emotional resonance. From the first notes of 'Pointing Out, Part I', the interplay of Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3 and Moog sets a reflective tone, easing the listener into an intimate exploration. Grossmann's tenor saxophone gracefully emerges, weaving meditative phrases supported by gentle drums and guitar, inviting quiet introspection. As the record progresses, the quartet locks into mesmerising grooves. The second track propels forward with a fiery sax solo, intricate guitar work and effervescent organ passages, held together by tightly snapping drum rhythms. The finale of Side I bursts with psychedelic energy, blending soprano sax with a vibrant, r&b-infused rhythmia dazzling reminder that spiritual jazz can exude joyful movement. Side-2 opens with an ethereal mix of Hammond tones, sparse percussion and harp flourishes, building into sultry sax lines and bluesy guitar solos, creating a lush and meditative soundscape. Flute and alto sax take center stage on the next track, a vibrant celebration of connection and joy. The closer slows the pace, a contemplative tenor solo layered over a steady rhythm, drawing the album to a reflective, uplifting conclusion. Grossmann's work pulses with warmth, community and profound beauty.

Review: Contemporary spiritual jazz maestro Muriel Grossmann is a sax player, singer and composer who has already released plenty of well regarded albums, but is nowhere near done yet. Universal Code is her latest and is a bumper double that again finds her offering her own unique take on the spiritual jazz template. She once again recalls her recent band mates Radomir Milojkovic on guitar, Llorenc Barcelo on keyboards and Uros Stamenkovic on drums and Gina Schwarz on double bass and they slide into soul jazz sound with straight ahead sounds that soon soothe with breezy soprano motifs and bluesy walking basslines.

Review: For the latest missive on their excellent Jazz45 sub-label, Jazzman has decided to offer up two sought-after catalogue cuts from contemporary spiritual jazz maestro Muriel Grossmann, a sax player, singer and composer who already has a swathe of quality albums to her name. First up is an edited version of 2018 cut "Golden Rule", a wonderfully breezy and out-there affair that sees Grossmann add mind-altering sax solos to a heavily percussive, off-kilter backing track rich in jaunty pianos and slick double bass. On flipside "Okan Ti Aye" she layers up the drums and cymbals further while offering bolder, heavier sax motifs. The result is a track of rare drive and intensity.