In AN ODD TIME OF DAY, Onderuf hasn’t just created an album, she’s crafted a musical autobiography that proves some stories can only be told through the voice of a violin, and some moments are worth waiting nine years to share.
Kaipati Records
Petra Onderuf – Violin, Composition; Rok Zalokar – Piano, (he mixed and edited the album); Luka Dobnikar – Double Bass; Aleš Zorec – Drums
GUESTS: Jure Pukl – Soprano Saxophone (5, 10); Gasper Selko – Trumpet (1,7,9)
There are so few violin-led jazz groups, and then along comes violinist Petra Onderuf’s fantastic quartet with AN ODD TIME OF DAY. This debut album is a joyful mix of jazz and Eastern European folk, with both genres showing off a love of improvisation and storytelling. The band isn’t just backing Petra; they’re very much a part of the whole, with each member adding their unique voice to create a truly standout jazz ensemble.
AN ODD TIME OF DAY is Onderuf’s long-time dream come true, an album of her own compositions. The eleven tracks pull together nearly a decade of ideas, inspired by her life on the road, countless collaborations, and years of digging deep into her craft. These pieces have been taking shape for nine years, just waiting for the right people, the right place, and the right moment to bring them to life, and how lucky we are to finally hear this incredible music.
Petra Onderuf was born in Slovakia. She started playing the violin at a young age, switched to the cello for a while, but had a pivotal moment while studying at the Conservatory in Brno, Czech Republic, when she realized classical music wasn’t her path. That discovery brought her back to the violin and opened the door to jazz and world music.
She continued her studies in jazz violin at the Conservatory in Klagenfurt, Austria, under Max Grosch, graduating with top honors. She also earned a degree in Jazz Composition and Arrangement, studying with renowned Austrian composer and pianist Johannes Berauer, a former student of jazz legend Bob Brookmeyer.
Petra Onderuf has captivated audiences across Europe, Asia, South America, and Canada with her energy, skill, and creativity, and as the founder of the internationally renowned Wild Strings Trio, she has made a lasting impression, likely being the first place people discovered her.
‘Tanec’ opens sounding like a Middle Eastern folk tune, set in a haunting minor key. As the tempo quickens, the rest of the band joins in, creating a vibrant, layered texture. Slovenian pianist Rok Zalokar shines here, his improvisations brimming with unpredictability. He toys with time and meter in a way that keeps you guessing.
On ‘Cremm,’ Onderuf moves from using her fingers to sharply pluck the strings to fierce bowing as she and Zalokar chase each other through the melody. Their push and pull feels like a spirited conversation, flowing between whispers and shouts.
‘Julia’s Sunset’ opens with a delicate piano meditation before the violin whispers its way in. As the piano drops teasing phrases, the tension builds. The bass pulses underneath while violin and piano trade increasingly urgent lines, pushing each other toward an apparent boiling point.
The album weaves together intricate melodies that dance and interweave with each other, creating a rich, expansive sound. As Onderuf explains: “Music has the power to connect us,
inspire us, and help us make sense of the world. For me, this album is a way to share my story and hopefully resonate with yours.”
In AN ODD TIME OF DAY, Onderuf hasn’t just created an album, she’s crafted a musical autobiography that proves some stories can only be told through the voice of a violin, and some moments are worth waiting nine years to share.
