With its beautiful blend of tradition, innovation, and pure jazz mastery, THE ALPINE SESSION is a must-have for any serious jazz lover.
Hammer Recordings
Michael Arbenz – Piano; Ron Carter – Double Bass; Florian Arbenz – Drums
Born into a musical family, twin brothers Michael and Florian Arbenz have spent a lifetime making music together. Key figures in the Swiss jazz scene, they’ve recorded with some of their biggest inspirations, including Greg Osby, Dave Liebman, Marc Johnson, Kirk Lightsey, and Bennie Maupin. Now, they reach a new peak with THE ALPINE SESSION ARBENZ VS ARBENZ MEETS RON CARTER.
Michael and Florian grew up immersed in the sounds of Ron Carter, with Miles Davis’s recordings featuring him on constant rotation. To them, no other living musician captures the groove, curiosity, and fearless spirit of jazz quite like he does.
The six tracks here highlight the distinct voices of Michael and Florian Arbenz, their respect for jazz tradition, and the vibrant, youthful energy Ron Carter brings to the table. At 87, Carter’s spirited, captivating performances defy expectations, proving that his energy and mastery remain as dynamic as ever.
The trio plays four originals and two from The Great American Songbook, navigating everything from upbeat swing to ballads and fearless improv. Carter’s passion for musical challenge drives the Arbenz brothers to new heights in their solos and their playful back-and-forth.
On ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing,’ the bass is high in the mix, just as present as the piano and drums, giving the trio a beautifully balanced feel. Michael Arbenz swings effortlessly, his solo flowing over a rich, melodic bassline. Arbenz’s hand rolls produce flurries of notes that ripple through the groove. The bassist moves between registers, sometimes clicking the strings for extra texture. Florian’s drumming keeps things steady yet fluid, shaping the momentum without overpowering.
A drumroll, a walking bass, and Michael Arbenz’s percussive piano kick off ‘Evolution,’ with his blend of classical technique and jazz improvisation. Ron Carter’s bass lines are a force of nature, intense, nuanced, and constantly moving. He doesn’t just keep time; he shapes the entire feel of the tune, his lines fluid but never predictable. Rather than simply marking time, drummer Florian Arbenz listens and reacts, engaging in deep musical conversations with his bandmates.
Jerome Kern’s ‘All the Things You Are’ from1939 is one of those timeless jazz standards that musicians love to improvise on. The tune is more complex than many others from the era. It starts in one key but modulates into different ones, offering rich opportunities for more complex improvisation. Michael Arbenz weaves in classical phrasing, making the chord changes dance. Ron Carter and Florian Arbenz are right there in the groove, holding it all together.
If you buy one piano trio album this year, this is the one. With its beautiful blend of tradition, innovation, and pure jazz mastery, THE ALPINE SESSION is a must-have for any serious jazz lover.
