Christoph Grab - Root Area (2021)

Today it is often forgotten that jazz is not only a unique art form, but also a social music. This social aspect comes to the fore in particular where it is not about epochal innovations or daring experiments, but about providing a "neighborhood audience" with musical soul food. That is why people like to speak of soul jazz in this context.

The Hammond organ is a very special instrument: With its surprise bag sounds and happily bubbling bass lines, it is an indispensable part of soul jazz. With ROOT AREA, saxophonist Christoph Grab presents his contemporary and timeless variant of soul jazz including Hammond power.

The core of ROOT AREA is formed by Grab, the Hammond specialist Marcel Thomi and the drummer Elmar Frey - they were successful as a trio for several years. Now the next level is ignited: with a repertoire consisting of own compositions (8 x Grab, 1 x Frey) and with exquisite saxophonistic support from Nicole Johänntgen and Victoria Mozalevskaya. Thanks to the exemplary attunement of the trio and the quick perception and impressive improvisational spontaneity of Johänntgen and Mozalevskaya, it only took one day to record the debut album by ROOT AREA.

The repertoire is extremely varied, with focus on feel-good moods and concise grooves. Grab traces his musical roots to the Uri folk song "Meiteli wänn du witt go tanze" and thus back to his childhood. “Abyss” has a James Bond melody. "Harlequin" triggers great emotions with its combination of emphasis and melancholy. The piece "In Communion" is dedicated to Krishnamurti and has a spiritual touch that is enhanced by the "churchy" sound of the organ. The title track has a second-line groove that goes straight to your legs and which you could hardly do better in New Orleans ... And in his piece “We're Coming to Town” the drummer Frey develops a wonderful swing drive , which is linked to in the final number "Love in the Mist".

In the future, ROOT AREA with their energy and enthusiasm will certainly ensure a good mood and glowing ears in many different neighborhoods.