One may grin and raise one’s eyebrows in disbelief at being told about the decision to combine a Jazz Quartet with its twin from the world of classical music. One may note, that the idea is not new. Strings have been widely used to back up various jazz artists ”live” and on record. Well, I would clarify by saying, that this is absolutely not the kind of music one would have in mind, primarily because we are not talking so much about “backing up”, as we are about communicating and conversing with the counterpart.

Here are 4 highly independent voices, whose combination has produced some of the most exiting music in jazz, as well as respectively 4 independent voices, whose combination long ago acquired nearly “holy” status in the world of chamber music. Being a long-time and passionate admirer of classical string quartet music, I have decided to invite this group of instruments to join us (The Jazz Quartet) for it’s obvious musical advantages.

The tonal colour, the richness of sound and texture, the polyphonic opportunities and above all the ”vibrating wood” of strings offer enough reason to want to challenge this set-up within the jazz idiom. It is also an attempt to unite the opposite poles, the two independent musical worlds to serve one single purpose - CREATIVITY!!!

We would like to leave you, dear listener, ”Face to Face” with the music, so you can make an opinion of your own. Just as the 2 Quartets got together to record this music and sat in the recording studio… “Face to Face”

Max Vax - Piano
Felix Behrendt - Bass
Ralf Jackowski - Drums
Volker Winck - Sax