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Oak Birches & Klaip?da Jazz Orchestra: Bon Bon Paris

By Vitalijus Gailius
November 30, 2021
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Oak Birches & Klaip?da Jazz Orchestra: Bon Bon Paris

Bon Bon Paris brings together two Lithuanian collectives—free jazz trio from Kaunas, Oak Birches, and a less free collective Klaip?da Jazz Orchestra. The album has two compositions, the author of which is the Oak Birches member and one of the leading Lithuanian avant-garde musicians and composers,

Arnas Mikalk?nas

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Arnas Mikalk?nas. Nevertheless, as linear notes state, each member of this project contributes his ideas equally, with strong sense of intellectual background and personal creativity.

Before listening to this recording, it is hard to predict what to expect. It seemed that pure free jazz or event contemporary music could be heard, but a more traditional sound could not be ruled out either. However, it turns out that the collaboration of the Kaunas and Klaip?da teams brings an intriguing intermediate version. The album certainly lacks neither abstract avant-igarde-ish passages nor melodic and harmonious orchestral lines. By the way, enough space for improvisation and aleatory tricks is left next to the clearly composed parts together with astonishing and creative solos by

Tomas Razmus

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Tomas Razmus,

Dovydas Stalmokas

saxophone, alto
b.1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Dovydas Stalmokas,

K?stutis Sova

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">K?stutis Sova,

Simonas Kaupinis

tuba

" data-original-title="" title="">Simonas Kaupinis,

Valdas Surdokas

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Valdas Surdokas,

Dmitrij Levencov

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Dmitrij Levencov,

Mindaugas Vadoklis

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Mindaugas Vadoklis and

Mindaugas Apulskis

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Mindaugas Apulskis.

In addition, Bon Bon Paris is particularly noteworthy for its bass line, which is led by Kaupinis' tuba and not a single double bass. Mikalk?nas drumming should also be singled out. He plays not overly chaotic or sophisticated rhythm structures, which are typical for free jazz performers, but exceptionally catchy, groovy patterns as he holds pulse on the ride cymbal.

Dynamics, compositional structures, technicality and creativity of musicians live up to melomaniac's expectations. Bon Bon Paris makes you look for parallels with various

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton collectives as well as

Fire! Orchestra

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Fire! Orchestra or even somehow echoes about heritage of

Max Roach

drums
1925 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Max Roach,

Sun Ra

piano
1914 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Sun Ra and

Don Cherry

trumpet
1936 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Cherry. Thus, the album of Oak Birches and Klaip?da Jazz Orchestra hold the attention, inviting repeated listenings.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Bon Bon Paris; 3x3.

Personnel

Arnas Mikalk?nas

percussion

Tomas Razmus

saxophone, alto

Mindaugas Vadoklis

trumpet

Simonas Kaupinis

tuba

K?stutis Sova

saxophone, baritone

Mindaugas Apulskis

saxophone, tenor

Dovydas Stalmokas

saxophone, alto

Valdas Surdokas

trombone

Sigitas Saukalas

trombone

Jonas Katauskas

trumpet

Dmitrij Levencov

trumpet

Additional Instrumentation

Oak Birches: Tomas Razmus: alto saxophone; Simonas Kaupinis: tuba; Arnas Mikalk?nas: percussion; Klaip?da Jazz Orchestra: Dovydas Stalmokas: alto saxophone, bass clarinet; Mindaugas Apulskis; tenor saxophone; K?stutis Sova: baritone saxophone (art director); Valdas Surdokas: trombone; Sigitas Saukalas: trombone; Jonas Katauskas: trumpet; Dmitrij Levencov: trumpet; Mindaugas Vadoklis: trumpet.

Album information

Title: Bon Bon Paris | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: ImproDimensija Records

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