Intermezzo - Urban Destruction Chazz
Jazz, Funk, Vocal
Stuttgart, Germany
Overall Impression: "Urban Destruction Chazz" is an eclectic and exciting new release from the international jazz fusion group, Intermezzo. Moving effortlessly between styles and genres, this track blends jazz-funk, bebop, and world music to forge a truly unique sound, one that's distinctively Intermezzo. The main theme features funky clavichord, retro synth leads and percussive bass played over a driving four-on-the-floor rhythm with fluid modality and harmonic shifts. Keyboardist/producer Thommy Bauer breaks up the arrangement, first using a softer passage with contributions from vocalists Tamara Banez and Iris Chango Hertogs, followed up by a hard bop piano trio section that really swings, before bringing it back around to the initial theme and climactic finale. Jazz heads who are looking for something intriguing and fresh absolutely need to check out Intermezzo's "Urban Destruction Chazz", and should give a listen to Thommy Bauer's other fine work, available on all streaming platforms.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, excellent mix. Phenomenal composition on this number. Great blending of contrasting elements. Clav sounds fantastic, as do the synths and rhythm section. Love the sirens and orchestra hits. The modal shift up to the minor third and back is super engaging. Interesting turn around here as well. Piano solos are well placed and very fluid. The middle sections add such a layer of intrigue and diversity to this piece, especially the vocal passage, although I couldn't really make out the lyrics (which actually just adds to the fascination, at least for me). Coming out of that with the bop trio was brilliant, however brief, and hits incredibly hard. Simply a fantastic arrangement, executed with skill and passion, and expertly produced. Terrific endeavor, and an amazing final product that was a pleasure to review!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Jazz Fusion, Jazz, Bebop, Funk, Nu Jazz, Neo Soul, Jazz-funk, World Music
Artist target suggestions: Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield, Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Weather Report, Robert Glasper, George Duke, Sun Ra, The Headhunters
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers