For its tenth album, the jazz group Ronin, led by Zurich pianist and composer Nick Bärtsch, once again immerses us in a captivating musical universe. “Spin”, released on November 29, reveals complex and hypnotic compositions made from superpositions of musical modules.
“Spin” is a continuation of the musical series from jazz band Ronin, seven years after the release of their album “Awase” (2017). Nick Bärtsch, on piano, is accompanied by his faithful musicians: Sha on bass clarinet and saxophone, Jeremias Keller on electric bass and Kaspar Rast on drums. Together they create compositions that captivate and transport listeners on a fascinating sonic journey in a style that Nik Bärtsch describes as “zen-funk”.
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Ronin’s music is distinguished by the use of melodic or harmonic modules carried by different instruments. Each of these cycles has a specific duration and rhythm. Their superposition creates musical motifs in which the cycles of the different instruments end up finding themselves.
A sound meditation
The mathematical construction and mechanical character of this ensemble could seem austere by its principle of creation, but that is not what emerges when listening to these pieces. Minimalist sounds become hypnotic. Nick Bärtsch says that these musical modules are inspired by meditations and conditioning for aikido, a sport of which he is an accomplished practitioner.
Some musical cycles may remain understated before suddenly becoming the center of attention, creating surprises and dynamic shifts within pieces. An innovative approach to musical composition that makes Ronin’s music unique.
Radio subject: Ivor Malherbe
Adaptation web: Sébastien Foggiato
Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, “Spin” (Ronin Rhythm Records). Released on November 29, 2024.
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