Martin Lutz Group

Music:

Member Since: 7/3/2006
Band Website: www.martinlutzgroup.dk
Band Members: Martin Lutz (keys), Jacob Rose (as, bcl, fl, ss), Jakob Skov (as), Mads Ole (ts, ss), Lars Johnsen (b), Ricco Kjær (dr, perc)

Influences: Abdullah Ibrahim Jan Johansen Herbie Hancock etc.
Sounds Like:

Discography:

REVIEWS - HIGHLIGHTS

www.allaboutjazz.com (USA) - 05.12.2007

John Barron

On Where Are the Trumpets?, Danish pianist/composer Martin Lutz leads his energetic sextet through an invigorating set of contemporary jazz laced with the sounds of Americana. The disc’s ten tracks, all composed by Lutz, are cleverly arranged for the woodwind front-line of Jacob Rose, Jakob Skov and Mads Ole. Bassist Lars Johnsen, drummer Ricco Kjaer and special guest Paolo Russo on bandoneón add to the disc’s rich textural blanket of sound. Although there is plenty of improvised blowing from each of the group’s members, individual prowess takes a back seat to the overall ensemble sound.

Lutz’s composing leans on the influence of gospel (“Lazy Sunday Gospel,” “Baby Giraffe”) and South America (“Mango Tango,” “Happy Fugetti”). An eclectic writer, he successfully contrasts unbridled warmth on serene numbers like “Cobalt Blue” and “Farewell Niels,” with ostinato-based grooves on “Where Are the Trumpets, Mr. Ibrahim?” and “Drunk Young Elephant.”

The seemingly unusual addition of bandoneón to the group’s more conventional jazz instrumentation works surprisingly well. Russo’s energy is unrelenting and he solos with aplomb on the Latin-influenced “Mango Tango,” “Gone,” and “Happy Fugetti.”

The music on Where Are the Trumpets? is at once dense and accessible. Lutz’s soothingly simple melodies are developed with patience and diligence. The results are deliberate and refreshingly soulful.

www.nordische-musik.de (Germany) 14.04.2007

Tim Kleinecke (tjk)

“Where Are The Trumpets?, Mr. Ibrahim?” is the complete titel of the titeltrack - and this already says a lot: Nu trumpets, but Abdullah Ibrahim (aka Dollar Brand) seems to be present in spirit on Martin Lutz’ second album.

And like his obvious hero Lutz has the rare gift to write Jazz of sheer touching beauty. Accessible melodies (”Baby Giraffe”), fine grooves from different related styles and regions, wise quotations (”Mango Tango” uses “Night In Tunesia”) and emotionally moving ballads (”Farewell Niels” - probably for NHØP) - With Martin Lutz it never sounds pretentious, artificial or planned but organic and evocative. The fine playing band is joined by Paolo Russo who with his accordeon conributes with more than just some accents […] ‘You don’t need no trumpets, Mr. Lutz!’

Record Label: Warnermusic, Calibrated, ROVA Records
Type of Label: Indie