RE-ISSUE

Emanuel Ruffler - Quartet 718

Johannes Enders - ts
Emanuel Ruffler - p
Sven Faller - b
Falk Willis - dr

Recorded in April 1994 

This tape of the Emanuel Rueffler Quartet contains a series of fine sounding personification codes: Four of talented instrumentalists, then one of a young formation that rather leaves the impression of a working band and last but not least the one of a promising composing talent and a skillful bandleader, both united in the person of Emanuel Rueffler. At the age of 19 he is the youngest of the band members, who are all in their twenties.

The actually trivial reference on the musicians moderate age shall not be repeated, but is on the other hand not to be ignored: ot astonishes and makes us hope for the further development - of these musicians and the jazz scene around here.

The saxophonist Johannes Enders and the drummer Falk Willis are no stranger to those who are familiar with the german scene. They dispose of international and american experience. For a longer time now they have been playing together in different settings and developed a personal mode of expression which becomes clear on this recording. Enders with an intensive and varying sonority and a clear phrasing. Willis with unobtrusive, easily flowing, melodic and relaxed drumming. Sven Faller on the bass not only provides a solid rhythmic basis but also well structured soli and the beautiful ballad “I’ll take you to the Escalator”. Emanuel Ruffler wrote six of the eight tracks. His music stands in the tradition of afro-american music, of impressive and groove oriented jazz. The rather sparse phrasing makes it easy to follow the musical developments of the compositions, and his left hand playing bass chords, places some strong rhythmic accents.

The clear recording without technical features keeps the originality of the music. Although some tunes are very groove oriented, the general character of this recording is rather measured. Only “icarus” and his first attempt to fly is much more tempestuous. The catching melodies and Rhythmic patterns quickly capture the listener. Music of one jet, musIc that takes its time. Its precision takes hold of you and finally carries you away.

Godehard Lutz