The Claudia Quintet - (USA)
The Claudia Quintet is one of the most promising and influential groups to emerge in recent years from downtown New York’s alt jazz scene. Led by drummer-percussionist and three-time Grammy nominee John Hollenbeck, its very existence is proof positive that the pessimists were wrong: jazz is not dead, despite being embalmed by major labels and confined by the narrow-minded to dead-ends. The stunningly original and lyrical works of The Claudia Quintet reveal breathtaking new vistas for jazz that transcend genre walls.
Hollenbeck, a native of Binghamton, New York, is one of the most distinctive, innovative and respected composers in jazz and new music. He received degrees in percussion and jazz composition from the Eastman School of Music before moving to New York City in the early 1990s. After arriving in New York, Hollenbeck quickly struck up relationships with some of the leading lights of jazz and new music -- Fred Hersch, Tony Malaby, Kenny Wheeler, Theo Bleckmann, and composer/choreographer Meredith Monk, the latter for whom Hollenbeck wrote and performed three separate percussion scores; “Magic Frequencies,” “Mercy,” and “The Impermanence Project.” Hollenbeck has served as a professor of jazz percussion and improvisation at Jazz Institute Berlin since 2005.
The Claudia Quintet has been accruing an estimable body of work since the late ’90s. They are renowned for their wry improvising spirit and backbone of surging, mesmerizing rhythm. Through compositions that meld mental challenge with charm, jazz breaks through its rigid shell, recombines with a myriad of other musics, and is reborn in a transcendent new form. Nate Chinen of the New York Times praises The Claudia Quintet’s “clockwork intricacy and crisp premeditation ... [striking an] accord between the factions of progressive jazz, classical Minimalism and low-glare experimental rock.”
In addition to the Claudia Quintet, Hollenbeck also leads the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, a twenty person big-band consisting of top musicians from New York. The JHLE has earned acclaim for its rich, panoramic orchestral sound as well as its members’ powerful individual voices. With a line-up that rarely changes, it is impossible to mistake this ensemble for an agglomeration of disjointed musicians. Practically all twenty of the JHLE’s members recorded on 2005’s “A Blessing,” and continue to play live with the band to this day.
John Hollenbeck’s numerous awards and recognitions include a 2007 Guggenheim Fellowship, the 2010 ASCAP Jazz Vanguard Award, the top spot as Rising Star Arranger (2012/2013) and Rising Star Big Band (2011) in the Down Beat Magazine International Critics Poll, and a 2012 Doris Duke Performing Artist Award.
The Claudia Quintet - "Just Like Him (Excerpt #1)"- Full Length = 6:37
A New Orleans shuffle rhythm, mournful clarinet and shimmering vibraphone, joined by accordion drones, develops into a twisting melodic theme, which is interrupted by an eerie, wailing exchange between clarinet and accordion before an acoustic bass reintroduces the pulse and the oblique, captivating melody returns.
The Claudia Quintet - "Opening (Excerpt #1)"- Full Length = 6:40
Layers of slow, mysterious drones from accordion, vibraphone and splash cymbals ease into a jaunty percussive pulse before the piece moves into “free” arrhythmic interplay between instruments. The stuttering, shimmering pulse is then reintroduced, while a lyrical clarinet improvisation weaves over and around it.
The Claudia Quintet - ""Arabic" (Excerpt #1)"- Full Length = 8:23
Sprightly minimalist patterns on vibraphone support a lyrical melody from the clarinet and accordion, which is extended with some nimble, impassioned improvisation, first from the clarinet and then from the vibraphone, before the piece comes to a quiet, serene conclusion.
The Claudia Quintet - ""Arabic" (Excerpt #2)"- Full Length = 8:23
Sprightly minimalist patterns on vibraphone support a lyrical melody from the clarinet and accordion, which is extended with some nimble, impassioned improvisation, first from the clarinet and then from the vibraphone, before the piece comes to a quiet, serene conclusion.
The Claudia Quintet - "The Cloud of Unknowing (Excerpt #1)"- Full track: 06:08
Accordion and clarinet intertwine with a gentle, pensive melody; then the vibraphone enters with a lyrical third voice, joined by plucked acoustic bass and finally, a subtle percussive push from the drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "Adowa (for gra) (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:28
A honking saxophone riff and funky Latin percussion introduces an off-kilter theme first stated by the ensemble, with vibraphone taking the first solo spot before giving way to the accordion and then sax , after which accordion, sax, bass and drums indulge in some lively collective improvisation.
The Claudia Quintet - ""...can you get through this life with a good heart?" (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 07:38
A shrill, portentous note on clarinet heralds a somber, jagged theme, with silences between notes and a deep, distorted bass pulse creating an element of foreboding. In time, the song title’s question is perhaps answered in the affirmative, with acoustic bass and then drums providing some forward momentum as the clarinet, vibraphone and accordion end with a pensive but hopeful theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Misty Hymen (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 05:45
A lively, boppish motif is introduced by the vibraphone and then picked up by the saxophone, before the accordion moves in with a forceful, dissonant solo, after which the saxophone contributes some fine, extending blowing.
The Claudia Quintet - "Couch (Excerpt #1)"- Full Tack = 08:59
Drum rolls usher in a slow unison riff on clarinet and accordion, which is repeated with counterpoint and variations until the rhythm gives way to ethereal, extended drones from clarinet, saxophone, accordion and vibraphone.
The Claudia Quintet - "Couch (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 08:59
Drum rolls usher in a slow unison riff on clarinet and accordion, which is repeated with counterpoint and variations until the rhythm gives way to ethereal, extended drones from clarinet, saxophone, accordion and vibraphone.
The Claudia Quintet - "Crane Merit (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 06:47
A stately, mellow and somewhat melancholy piece, featuring creamy ensemble work from woodwinds, accordion and vibraphone, with guest pianist Gary Versace providing thoughtful, minimalist rhythmic counterpoint.
The Claudia Quintet - "Keramag Prelude (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 01:01
A brief drum solo from bandleader John Hollenbeck
The Claudia Quintet - "Keramag (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 8:08
A modal scale, prominent vibraphone and herky-jerky, syncopated percussion invoke the exotic spirit of a Javanese gamelan orchestra, with piano adding a looser jazz element while the ensemble closes with a strong rhythmic groove.
The Claudia Quintet - "Paterna Terra (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:30
Squeaks and moans from the saxophone, and eerie fluttering percussion, gradually ease into a herky-jerky, funky motif with fierce interplay between sax, piano, accordion and drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "Paterna Terra (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 5:30
Squeaks and moans from the saxophone, and eerie fluttering percussion, gradually ease into a herky-jerky, funky motif with fierce interplay between sax, piano, accordion and drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "Ted versus Ted (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 00:42
A short, eerie but delicate melody from solo accordion, very much like birdsong.
The Claudia Quintet - "Armitage Shanks (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:03
A medium-tempo, march-like riff from clarinet, accordion, vibraphone and drums becomes more jagged and irregular before accelerating into a lively playful dance featuring the piano.
The Claudia Quintet - "Drew with Drew (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track: 00:48
A short, nimble solo from the group’s bassist.
The Claudia Quintet - "Sphinx (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 03:59
A rapid-fire bass ostinato riff introduces a churning rhythmic pulse, which supports a lyrical clarinet solo, followed by a showcase for the fleet-fingered bassist, and then restatement of the opening theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Matt on Matt (Excerpt #1)"- FullTrack = 00:52
A brief solo excursion from the shimmering vibraphone.
The Claudia Quintet - "Zurn (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 06:42
Vibraphone, bass, clarinet and accordion develop the languid theme, with the drums introducing a strong bolero rhythm before the piece becomes more pensive, dreamy, and abstract.
The Claudia Quintet - "Zurn (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 06:42
Vibraphone, bass, clarinet and accordion develop the languid theme, with the drums introducing a strong bolero rhythm before the piece becomes more pensive, dreamy, and abstract.
The Claudia Quintet - "Chris and Chris (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 00:56
A short, mellow interlude for multi-tracked saxophone.
The Claudia Quintet - "Royal Toast (Excerpt #1)"- Full Length = 05:32
A stylized bebop piece with complex, syncopated rhythms, excellent solos from saxophone piano and vibraphone, and some intricate group interplay.
The Claudia Quintet - ""Ideal" Intro (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 01:16
An ethereal, haunting interlude for solo piano.
The Claudia Quintet - "Ideal Standard (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 08:04
A leisurely, impressionistic piano opens this sultry, mysterious piece, with vibes, accordion, piano and drums joining in before the saxophone takes center stage with a languid, dreamy solo.
The Claudia Quintet - "Ideal Standard (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 08:04
A leisurely, impressionistic piano opens this sultry, mysterious piece, with vibes, accordion, piano and drums joining in before the saxophone takes center stage with a languid, dreamy solo.
The Claudia Quintet - "American Standard (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 06:02
A gentle but firm pulse from bass and drums sets the tone for an opening melodic statement and then some lively collective improvisation from the ensemble, together with a fine solo from the saxophone.
The Claudia Quintet - "For Frederick Franck (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 07:56
A wistful, pensive opening melody from the accordion blends with a deep, sepulchral bass and moody, reflective interplay between vibraphone, piano and clarinet, propelled by subtle, understated drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "For Frederick Franck (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 07:56
A wistful, pensive opening melody from the accordion blends with a deep, sepulchral bass and moody, reflective interplay between vibraphone, piano and clarinet, propelled by subtle, understated drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "Major Nelson (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 3:35
An ethereal treated guitar abruptly transitions to staccato, four bar interlocking riffs from clarinet, vibraphone, bass and accordion, delivered at a playful breakneck tempo by the drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "Major Nelson (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 3:35
An ethereal treated guitar abruptly transitions to staccato, four bar interlocking riffs from clarinet, vibraphone, bass and accordion, delivered at a playful breakneck tempo by the drums.
The Claudia Quintet - "Drewslate (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 7:33
A lilting clarinet, vibraphone and accordion deliver a boppish, pleasantly off-kilter theme, supported by propulsive, kinetic drums and lively bass riffs. A sweet clarinet solo improvises on the theme, supported by pulsing minimalist patterns from the ensemble, and ending with some tricky time and tempo change and a mellow conclusion. Light, nimble and uplifting.
The Claudia Quintet - "Kord (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 3:09
A long, electronically enhanced chord from piano and guitar, punctuated with silence and repeated with shifting harmonics which enhance the drifting, dreamy effect.
The Claudia Quintet - "They Point...Glance...Whisper...Then Snicker… (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 9:32
A long, electronically enhanced chord from piano and guitar, punctuated with silence and repeated with shifting harmonics which enhance the drifting, dreamy effect.
The Claudia Quintet - "They Point...Glance...Whisper...Then Snicker… (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 9:32
A long, electronically enhanced chord from piano and guitar, punctuated with silence and repeated with shifting harmonics which enhance the drifting, dreamy effect.
The Claudia Quintet - "Bindi Binder (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 1:41
A progression of discrete single-note patterns on piano, electric piano and vibraphone, all of which combine in various delightful ways.
The Claudia Quintet - "Susan (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:18
An ethereal descending motif is passed back and forth between clarinet, accordion and then vibes, cushioned by a deep, leisurely punctuation from the bass, with drums gradually reinforcing the subtle pulse.
The Claudia Quintet - "Two Teachers (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 6:07
A gentle rhythmic riff played by accordion and vibes is pushed along by percussion, leading to a dreamy, melodic theme and variation, with solos taken by tenor sax and a restless, dissonant accordion before the ensemble restates the opening theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Two Teachers (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 6:07
A gentle rhythmic riff played by accordion and vibes is pushed along by percussion, leading to a dreamy, melodic theme and variation, with solos taken by tenor sax and a restless, dissonant accordion before the ensemble restates the opening theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Growth (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 2:22
Minimalist electric piano and treated slide guitar create a languid mood
The Claudia Quintet - "Limp Mint (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 7:52
A thoughtful opening duo between bass and vibes transitions to a wispy, abstract theme with a loping, mid-tempo rhythm, followed by a free section with cymbal crashes, shimmering vibraphone, adventurous chirping from the clarinet and pounding drums. The piece then closes with an elegant statement of the opening theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Guarana (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 8:12
Soft background noises open into a lyrical theme for clarinet, followed by a dynamic groove from bass, drums and clarinet, and a nimble solo turn from the vibes, before clarinet and accordion restate the opening theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Guarana (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 08:12
Soft background noises open into a lyrical theme for clarinet, followed by a dynamic groove from bass, drums and clarinet, and a nimble solo turn from the vibes, before clarinet and accordion restate the opening theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Where's My Mint (Mint=President) (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 2:55
Shimmering, free-form melodic lines from vibes, electric guitar and electric piano are complemented by spooky electronic vocalizations.
The Claudia Quintet - "Boy with a Bag and His Guardian Elephant (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 2:44
The ensemble jumps into a lively, propulsive theme, with clarinet, accordion and vibes laying down interlocking minimalist patterns while bass and drums provide a rhythmic foundation.
The Claudia Quintet - "Minor Nelson (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 3:43
Heavy reverb guitar washes, various electronic treatments, bowed bass and mystery sounds create a queasy, gently disturbing listening experience.
The Claudia Quintet - "Showtime/23rd Street Runs into Heaven (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 9:11
A deep, funky bass and shuffle drums introduce a hip narration about the coming “showtime” event, with shimmering vibraphone and sax contributing to the jaunty ambiance.
The Claudia Quintet - "Showtime/23rd Street Runs into Heaven (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 9:11
A deep, funky bass and shuffle drums introduce a hip narration about the coming “showtime” event, with shimmering vibraphone and sax contributing to the jaunty ambiance.
The Claudia Quintet - "Job (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:13
An angular, abstract piece with a quirky rhythmic stutter, which segues into a colorfully satiric narrative about authority and blind obedience.
The Claudia Quintet - "What is the Beautiful? (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 6:58
The Claudia Quintet - "What is the Beautiful? (Excerpt #2)"- Full Track = 6:58
A profound exposition on the nature of existence, composed by poet Kenneth Patchen, with the ensemble providing subtle, thoughtful support for the narration.
The Claudia Quintet - "The Bloodhounds (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:00
A mournful saxophone and desultory plucked bass introduces a chilling examination of the moral and psychological aftermath of a lynching.
The Claudia Quintet - "Opening the Window (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:20
A an amusingly surreal spoken-word tale of adventure, nicely supported by a walking bass and then by members of the ensemble on piano, percussion, bass, clarinet and accordion.
The Claudia Quintet - "The Snow is Deep On the Ground (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 8:06
A dreamy, coruscating introduction from the piano sets the stage for a gentle, lyrical celebration of nature and the narrator/poet’s loved one.
The Claudia Quintet - "Do Me That Love (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 5:27
A dreamy, minimalistic piece with a tinkling, shimmering piano interlude, with a spoken word narrative which celebrates nature, the passage of time, and the timeless presence of love.
The Claudia Quintet - "Beautiful You Are (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 3:56
A delicate, single-line piano melody introduces a narrative which celebrates the beloved’s physical and spiritual beauty.
The Claudia Quintet - "Limpidity Of Silences (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 4:53
Pensive, free-form (arrhythmic) solo piano musings, as inspired by a Kenneth Patchen poem on thoughts of mortality and eternity.
The Claudia Quintet - "Mates for Life (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 8:02
An abstract but tranquil instrumental piece from the ensemble, featuring a feathery saxophone solo followed by a sparkling vibraphone before the ensemble closes with the main theme.
The Claudia Quintet - "Flock (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 3:55
A stuttering minimalist pulse from the accordion is fragmented into brittle shards of sound as the clarinet and piano create a bright kaleidoscope of swirling, hypnotic chaos.
The Claudia Quintet - "Peace of Green (Excerpt #1)"- Full Track = 2:09
A funky rhythm on the tom-toms opens this short, mellow instrumental piece for the ensemble.
