Nik Bärtsch's Ronin - Live

All Music Guide

The quirky, minimalist ritual groove music of Swiss based keyboardist Nik Bartsch is, after three previous recordings, coming into its own with this fourth CD, done live inconcert in Zurich and Bern. Refinement of Bartsch's playing, and the coming together of his now established quintet Ronin is obvious to anyone, whether a newcomer or dedicated fan of the band. With the spoton rhythmic wizardry of drummer Kaspar Rast and percussionist Andi Pupato, Bartsch, bassist Bjorn Meyer and saxophonist/bass clarinetist Shea weave a magical zenlike discourse of funk/notfunk into a bright, clairvoyant sense of wonder and imagination to the fiber of this music. This is not jam band, modal modern jazz or film noir sounds in the strictest sense, but all three elements play their distinct parts in what is truly a new sonic language. Everything for Bartsch is a module. "Modul 14" uses 14/8 and 7/4 time signatures wrapped around a sparse light funk accented by spacey electronics, Fender Rhodes electric ...piano and heavy bass, more dense and layered as it goes along. "Modul 17" is a 5/4 ostinato with inventively juxtaposed rhythms using snare brushes and bells contrasting the Rhodes, acoustic piano and organ. It's a modern day road song that astoundingly uses no overdubs, as is the case throughout on this purely live set. "Modul 11" is a more traditional r b flavored straight funk in 3/4, where the elements of contrast and development a key to their music are most evident. "Modul 16" suggests the harder edged European ‘70s fusion of pioneers Charlie Mariano, Jan Hammer, Jasper Van't Hof, Volker Kriegel, Joachim Kuhn and the British Canterbury Scene using constant variations within a minimal framework. "Modul 8_9" and "Modul 15" are the longest pieces, more simple and basic and apply a spare subtlety that may not be the best concert vehicles. Most of this music, under the subconcept "conspiracy of the rhythm gardners," is compelling, commanding, well worth a close listen, and a prelude for things to be heard stateside. This may be a difficult recording to acquire, but worth the search. - Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide Read more Less