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Anna Kaluza / Jan Roder: Am Frankfurter Tor

By Mark Corroto
May 30, 2022
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The remarkable debut Am Frankfurter Tor by the duo of alto saxophonist

Anna Kaluza

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Anna Kaluza and double bassist

" data-original-title="" title="">Jan Roder is both an introduction (sort of) and confirmation (absolutely) of two complete musicians. It is a sort of introduction because listeners are more likely to be familiar with the recorded output of Roder in ensembles such as Die Entt?uschung, JR3 with

Olaf Rupp

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Olaf Rupp and

Rudi Mahall

clarinet, bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Rudi Mahall, the

Silke Eberhard

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Silke Eberhard Trio,

Ulrich Gumpert

pandeiro
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Ulrich Gumpert's ensembles, and

Alexander von Schlippenbach

piano
b.1938

" data-original-title="" title="">Alexander von Schlippenbach's Monk Casino. Kaluza, is a German native who performed with the London Improvisers Orchestra before returning home to create the Berlin Improvisers Orchestra. She also can be heard in the Hanam Quintet and leads the Kaluza Quartett with

Christof Thewes

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Christof Thewes,

Kay Lübke

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Kay L��bke, and her duo partner here Jan Roder.

The ten tracks produced have a certain casualness, but don't be fooled, There is a passion and potency here that cannot overlook. Kaluza's saxophone at times recalls the sprezzatura sound of

Paul Desmond

saxophone, alto
1924 - 1977

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Desmond with her insouciant approach. Other places she gives off an

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton vibe as she cuts and slashes through a run. All the music is created as a t��te—��—t��te with Roder's bass. Either he supplies the spluttered bass of "Sieben" that provokes Kaluza's bird calls or he employs some nasty bow work on "Sechs," which stretches the saxophonist's notes. Roder's guidance is apparent throughout. These ten duets are evidence of a sympathetic partnership.

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Track Listing

Eins; Zxei; Drei; Vier; F��nf; Sechs; Sieben; Acht; Neun; Zehn.

Personnel

Anna Kaluza

saxophone, alto

Jan Roder

bass

Album information

Title: Am Frankfurter Tor | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Relative Pitch Records

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