Jacques Loussier Trio, Güher & Süher Pekinel - Take Bach (2000) CD-Rip

TAKE BACH is another in the history of recordings which treat the music of Bach in an experimental way. The approach of the Jacques Loussier Trio with pianists Güher and Süher Pekinel is one of melding Bach's concerti into jazz pieces through arrangement and improvisation. The idea is logical, as Baroque music is based often on a "figured bass," or set of symbols which the instrumentalist of the time (usually a keyboard player) would know how to interpret and build chords based upon the performance aspects of the time. This method is most directly represented today by jazz music, and the transition is fairly natural. Also, the contrapuntal nature of a jazz combo, with the bass as a melodic instrument, lends itself to the contrapuntal music of Bach.
Certain moments are more successful than others are. However, the performances and the originality and creativity of the arrangements, as well as the extremely high level of musicianship by all involved, makes for an extremely engaging disc. The listener often forgets the distinction between the centuries of musical styles, and hears the essence of the chord structures of Bach that are timeless and adaptable.