Streiff-Russ Johnson Quartet, Co

In Circles

Label: Intakt Country: Switzerland

"What cements the relationship of Swiss saxophonist Co Streiff and American trumpeter Russ Johnson, is a shared aesthetic, a belief that being progressive doesn't automatically require abandoning melody or groove. Their experience - Streiff leading various groups or work with pianist Irène Schweizer; Johnson as a sideman for nearly every one in New York - is the best in cross-cultural exchange. Streiff and Johnson coalesce for a wonderful sound, almost Vintage Blue Note before jumping decades to sound as modern as anything else out there. Most groups are either rife with nostalgia or, conversely, exchange method for memorability. The best do both and Streiff and Johnson have accomplished that with their first effort."-Andrey Henkin, from the liner notes