Bo's Art Trio

Jazz is Free and So Are We!

Label: IC Disc Country: The Netherlands

"The enjoyment flies off the disc. It's been a long time since listening to a live CD gave me such a good feeling. Nine musical statements of stature, bursting with energy, joy and freedom. Bo van de Graaf, on soprano, alt and tenor sax is in top shape. [...] At times the spirit of Albert Ayler walks about. Van de Graaf's solos are enthralling and convincing without exception. A very subtle quote from Mingus' 'Fables of Faubus' in the impressive solo feature 'Final Statement' shows that Van de Graaf knows his classics. Percussionist Fred van Duijnhoven and pianist Michiel Braam stoke up the fire even more. Van Duijnhoven uses the full range of his well tuned drums and cymbals from pianissimo to fortissimo. Braam's fresh and energetic music once again proves that he's one of the most self-willed Jazz pianists in the Netherland, using a unique blend of tradition, innovation and musical witticisms. [...]"-Maarten van de Ven

"People who know Bo van de Graaf from his long-standing ensemble I will not be astounded by his abilities as a saxophone player. But on this exceptional album Van de Graaf gives stunning evidence of having taken deep gulps of, particularly, tenor saxophone traditions and having developed them deep inside. You can hear Coltrane (of course), Rollins (of course), Shepp, Getz, Young, Barbieri. In short, anybody who has made a contribution to the development of tenor saxophones in Jazz races by. But - and therein lies his great art - you always hear Bo van de Graaf. In his improvisations, in his melody lines, in his lyrics in his power play, in each facet of the music he takes care no to imitate aforementioned giants. It's his ability to incorporate them in this way that makes this an absolute must-have album. Pianist Braam walks about Bo van de Graaf's saxophone music in his self-willed manner, percussionist Van Duijnhoven takes risks in rumbling under, over and through it. While the entire CD is suffused with a global character, De Graaf and Co. make it clear that this is music from the Netherlands. (...) Bo van de Graaf calls his ensemble Bo's Art Trio. And every letter of that is true. That's how you play Jazz, this is art. There is no other way to call it."-Rinus van der Heijden, Jazz enzo February, 2008