OLAF TON - Olaf Ton (2003)

The first album by this young quartet (at the time the musicians were in their mid- to late twenties) packs a healthy dose of fun. Their brand of jazz combines the unruliness of American free jazz and the discipline of European avant-garde jazz. Throw in a mischievous desire to leave no music style unturned and you'll get an idea of what Olaf Ton is about. One thinks of Jean Derome's most playful projects (especially his band Jean Derome et les Dangereux Zhoms), of the Clusone Trio, of Die Enttauschung, and most of all, of a Bavarian take on Pino Minafra's Sud Ensemble. Avant-cartoon or polka-funk, the music of Olaf Ton is fast-paced and painted in vivid colors. But it's not all just for show. Trumpeter Richard Koch (who also plays in reggae bands) and trombonist Jerome Bugnon trade demanding solos while never losing sight of the value of entertainment and good fun (yes, it does mean using funny mute effects and voice calls). And the rhythm section of Michael Haves (bass) and Christian Marien (drums) pushes the band through severely mutilated meters. "Aller Tage Abend" stands out: its collage-like structure alternates between delicate trumpet/clarinet/trombone choral sections and dance beats that keep on changing, from funk-rock to bossa nova. The honking "Einstein's Dreams" and the mad swinging "Little Funny Olaf" provide the other highlights of the set. It's a very strong debut and a personal favorite for 2003. Highly recommended if you enjoy fun, raucous avant-garde jazz. - Francois Couture, AMG

Olaf Ton is a classic pianoless jazz quintet from Berlin: trumpet, saxophones, trombone, bass and drums. However, there is very little "classical" about the music. The band plays exclusively original compositions mostly by the saxophonist Benjamin Weidekamp and the bass player Michael Haves. The compositions are inspired by the musicians' experience in different styles of music. They believe they achieved what they call a "transparent sound" that leaves each musician space to unfold musically. Definitely a band to watch.  -  leorecords.com

Tracks

1. Ranvik

2. Aller Tage Abend

3. Speicherbar

4. Die Halloumipolizei Rettet Das Bikiniland

5. Alonso Morales

6. Little Funny Olaf

7. Advocat Van De Hanen

8. Aufstellungsort Problem-Felsen

9. Einsteins Dreams

BENJAMIN WEIDEKAMP  alto saxophone, clarinet

RICHARD KOCH  trumpet

JEROME BUGNON  trombone

MICHAEL HAVES  double-bass

CHRISTIAN MARIEN  drums

Music composed by Benjamin Weidekamp except (2) & (6) by Michael Haves and (5) by Jerome Bugnon

Recorded December 2002

Leo Records – CD LR 381   (UK)