SEBASTIAN SCHUNKE - SYMBIOSIS (2002)

Review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET

Latin jazz meets European sensibilities in a classically glorious debut album from Sebastian Schunke; Symbiosis is a fine first effort that this German born and raised pianist released in 2002 after a visit to New York City. While in New York Mr. Schunke studied jazz and met some like minded young jazz musicians who were based in New York and incorporate their Latin heritage into their playing. The results are a classically modern take on a Latin jazz groove with excellent sounding compositions, musicianship and production. The CD is five years old yet it sounds as fresh and exciting as if it was released this year. If like me, you were not aware of Sebastian Schunke and the CD Symbiosis then you really must get this CD as soon as possible, you won’t be disappointed. 

From the opening track “An Die Liebe” which translated from German to English means “For The Love” you get an immediate sense that the musicians are playing for exactly that reason. The track opens with a classical sounding piano introduction, as the rhythm section makes its entrance you are greeted to a full sounding and deeply focused Latin sound with layers of Latin percussion care of Mike Flores. Mr. Schunke’s piano playing is at times delicate and at other times intense, but always driving the melody home and complimenting what his soloist’s are performing. The bass player, John Benitez is a treat, holding the bottom end firmly in check when necessary and adding so much in spirit and passion, an exciting player who uses an open string slap attack to create a percussive effect of intensity. Mr. Benitez combined with drummer Dafnis Prieto on four of the tracks and drummer Antonio Sanchez on the other four tracks work wonderfully together. The bass and drums in combination with Schunke’s piano playing build a rich sounding wall of music that is always rhythmical and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.

The alto and soprano saxophone playing of  Yosvany Terry is sounding incredible throughout the recording, when it comes to Cuban saxophone players especially alto players, incredible seems to be the keyword in reference to their playing, there are quite a few great Cuban saxophone players and Mr. Terry is included in that group. Peter Brainin plays alto and soprano saxophone on two of the tracks, his playing is quite nice as well.

The Timba Record label spares no expense when it comes to packaging. The CD includes a twenty page booklet, a musician’s bio., photos and interesting information on the material that makes up the CD. As an example, take the song “Fernach” which in English means “Wanderlust” the notes explain the make up of the song, “A Son in 10/4 with European influences.”  The note continues on providing an explanation as to the motivation  for writing the song. The song is a straight forward pleasant sounding tune in a moderate tempo, rich and full sounding with the interesting choice of time signature taking nothing away from the composition by adding complexity that becomes confusing, on the contrary, it actually makes for a more open sound, time is extended and space is provided to allow for detailed communication within the body of the composition.

Sebastian Schunke and his Euro Latin Progression have done a superb job with Symbiosis, the CD’s eight tracks are all well composed numbers that feature fine musicianship and have a wonderful feel, a style of music that is a product of world influences, Latin jazz is as good a fit as any other title, good music might be just as fitting. Have a listen and hear for yourself.

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