* Eagerly-anticipated second ECM album from Swiss pianist-composer Nik Bärtsch and his committed young `Zen-funk' or `ritual groove" band Ronin, whose label debut Stoa received rave reviews all around the world. * Bärtsch's Ronin is recognized as one of the most exciting discoveries of recent years. * Holon follows up directions set in motion by Stoa and takes them further, thanks both to the band's growing confidence and also to ECM's glowing sound-mix. * Nik Bärtsch's music occupies a niche all its own, equidistant from contemporary composition, funk/soul grooves and scattered world musics. In some ways further removed from jazz than the other idioms it has nonetheless been warmly embraced by the jazz community, its grooves and interlocking rhythms now frequently heard also at the jazz festivals - as well as in new music spaces and rock clubs. * CD booklet includes artist photos and a liner note by Nik Bärtsch in German and English
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
spacial, powerful, really good:
Great atmospherics, some songs are a little "spooky". Really deserves to be listened to with headphones. The depth of the recording is wonderful.
Not really a party soundtrack.... more a personal journey in movement through sound.
Something of new using great old concepts .:
This Swiss people really catch me deep and fully with a neo Minimal /Zen/Funk thing that is so fascinating , hypnotic , engaging and in someway also Black tanned . Europe in last years is givin' to music world a lot of big new artists and this are of the team . A cicular thing , based on micro variations , slight rhythm variations , wonderful ostinatos , modern sound and great use of the Milesque tension and release thing , wonderful bass use and great recording technique . Let me tell u that I 've buyed... more info
ecm,does it again.:
wow, this was a killer album, classical spacious music,with serious groove, yes groove. that bass is bone rattling, and the icey cold piano ,cuts like a knife, mix in a bass clarinet with that creepy sound ,you have a winner. i mean they are really cookin. plenty of ear pearcing alto too ,like john surman style. the music is meditative and stirring. so i guess jazz isnt dead .this album fools me into thinking its electric ,but it isnt. only the bass is .i get an est vibe here, but more upbeat, but yet... more info
FULL OF ENERGY QUALITY AND WARMTH:
Minimalistic modern jazz approach blended with funk, avan-garde and fusion elements in a very completed versatile and harmonic way.Great interplay,excellent bass lines ,wonderful and spacious piano playing from Nick Bartch and his quintet with energy rythm and warmth.EXCELLENT.
