Drechsler - The Big Easy (2009)

DRECHSLER is back with a new line-up and a new album “The Big Easy” in order to sound out the possibilities of so called Nu Jazz. After the success of the last album “Fortune Cookie” (2006), which serves up a tremendous mixture of varying styles and such energy that it doesn’t allow the listener to stay seated while listening, DRECHSLER is taking the next logical step and moving forward with “The Big Easy”. Irresistible rhythms are what have always stood in the center of DRECHSLER’s original quartet line-up and musical concept, which merges acoustic and electronic music in order to create a unique form of danceable jazz. However, for the new quintet, which now includes keyboards and an electronic bass, a whole new world of possibilities has opened up. The mix of styles such as Hip-Hop, R&B, Drum’n’Bass, Funk & Soul, Jazz, Blues, Bossa Nova and World Music has remained unchanged; yet, now catchy melodies, harmonies and atmospheric sounds have been added to the recipe. DRECHSLER has become even more eclectic and exciting without losing its original aim: getting the audience up and dancing!

Ulrich Drechsler, who has returned to the bass clarinet on “The Big Easy” in addition to playing the tenor saxophone, has established himself as one of the most versatile and appealing musicians in the jazz scene. For the new DRECHSLER line-up, he invited the young, Austrian pianist/keyboarder Benny Omerzell to take part and help give the music totally new tonal and rhythmical facets. A further new band member is the Swiss electric bassist Patrick Zambonin, who represents the new foundation of sound. Jörg Mikula, the band’s drummer, is pretty well-known in the meantime – partially through his longstanding collaboration with Ulrich Drechsler in other diverse formations. Due to working intensely with a variety of ethnic music styles, DRECHSLER’s music has become even more rhythmic and varied and intriguing. And let’s not forget Zuzee, the gifted artist of the turntables and member of the DJ syndicate “Waxolutionists”, whose scratching abilities still seek to be matched.