Jazzthing 26-02-2024
JazzthingTranslation:
Who has the opportunity to work with the idols of their youth later on? At 15, Susanne Alt's love for jazz ignited, and her enthusiasm for icons like trumpeter Roy Hargrove was immense. Later, the German saxophonist, now based in the Netherlands, regularly jammed with her idol at festivals. She dedicates her sixth studio album to the jazz hero who died in 2018 at just 49, sending shockwaves through the jazz community. All the tracks on "Royalty For Real," recorded in New York, were inspired by King Roy's influence, penned by him, or frequently associated with him, such as the ballad "The Nearness Of You." Because Alt plays with a beautiful tone and the rhythm section (pianist James Hurt, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Willie Jones III) shifts effortlessly and elegantly between swinging, soul-jazz, and funk, this tribute is quite pleasant to listen to. However, overall it is too harmless, musically a bit too uneventful, lacking the spark, the fire.
on 18/05/2024
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Jazzflits 450 (the last edition)English:In 2022, Susanne Alt recorded an album entitled Royality For Real, an album guided by the musical legacy of trumpeter Roy Hargrove. During this inspiring session with Roy's original rhythm section, much music was left unfinished. There was simply too much for one CD, and the pieces not selected turned out to be stunningly beautiful. Therefore, the CD Dark Horse is now being released, and it coincides with a CD launch on January 16th at the Bimhuis (Amsterdam). A selection has been made for the album with many funky, danceable tracks. It's the idiom that fits Susanne like a glove. It's not without reason that she is a star at dance festivals as a DJ and saxophonist, guaranteeing exuberant funky tunes. Her American backing trio has strong roots in acoustic jazz. James Hurt is a versatile keyboardist and has an impressive track record. Bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Willie Jones III were long members of Roy Hargrove's band. And you can hear that band's ability to blow the roof off in the tight interplay of this tandem. Susanne Alt has a winning combination with these musicians. The short studio conversations that follow the songs on the CD are enjoyable. Alt's wealth of musical ideas is evident from the fact that all the pieces are hers. All, no, one, is by Charlie Parker. Because pianist James Hurt was late for one of the sessions, Susanne played Parker's piece Au privave with Gerald and Willie as a trio. And they performed so beautifully that it earned a place of honor on this CD, Dark Horse. - JazzthingTranslation:Who has the opportunity to work with the idols of their youth later on? At 15, Susanne Alt's love for jazz ignited, and her enthusiasm for icons like trumpeter Roy Hargrove was immense. Later, the German saxophonist, now based in the Netherlands, regularly jammed with her idol at festivals. She dedicates her sixth studio album to the jazz hero who died in 2018 at just 49, sending shockwaves through the jazz community. All the tracks on Royalty For Real, recorded in New York, were inspired by King Roy's influence, penned by him, or frequently associated with him, such as the ballad The Nearness Of You. Because Alt plays with a beautiful tone and the rhythm section (pianist James Hurt, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Willie Jones III) shifts effortlessly and elegantly between swinging, soul-jazz, and funk, this tribute is quite pleasant to listen to. However, overall it is too harmless, musically a bit too uneventful, lacking the spark, the fire.
