Katarina Kochetova - Beyond Motion (2024) [Hi-Res]

In many countries around the world, June 21st will be the day of the Fête de la Musique. For our friends at A.MA records, they can break out the champagne to celebrate the release of their latest production, Katarina Kochetova’s album “Beyond Motion.” This pianist and composer already have a glorious past in the world of so-called “classical” music. Passionate about jazz, she brings here a rich work that implements a composition that could have been simply classical, but takes flight on jazz themes, thanks to this extraordinary trio composed of:

Katarina Kochetova – A multifaceted musician from Kiev, Kochetova’s mastery of the piano and composition shines through her performances. With a rich background in classical piano and a passion for jazz, she brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to the ensemble.

Hugo Löf – A rising star on the Swedish jazz scene, Löf’s mastery of the double bass adds depth and groove to every note. His sensitivity and musicality, coupled with a diverse range of influences, make him an indispensable part of the ensemble.

Matheus Jardim – Born in Brazil and nourished by the rich musical traditions of his homeland, Jardim’s rhythmic mastery on the drums adds a dynamic dimension to the ensemble. With a career spanning collaboration with world-class artists, his contributions to “Beyond Motion” are simply captivating.

It is a peculiarity of European jazz that, for a long time, to become a professional musician, one had to go through conservatories or music academies and start with classical music. This is less and less the case today, but this system has created hybrid composers and musicians like Katarina Kochetova, who naturally uses her cultural foundations to offer this work that resembles her. “Beyond Motion” is not just an album; it’s a journey through the vibrant landscapes of contemporary jazz. Drawing inspiration from the pulsating energy of the New York jazz scene, each piece weaves complex melodies and rhythms, inviting listeners into a world of musical exploration.

Adding an extra layer of depth to the ensemble, two exceptional guest artists, Jure Pukl on tenor saxophone and Joander Cruz on alto saxophone, bring their virtuosity and creativity, infusing the album with a distinct flavor and elevating the listening experience to new heights.

This album is simply thrilling, unique in its kind, and masterfully executed, benefiting as always from the impressive production of A.MA records. Each of the label’s albums is a source of inspiration for many musicians around the world, with the beauty of musical writing and melodies with discreet and effective arrangements, all reasons to include this album in our series of “essentials.”