Jürg Wickihalder's latest endeavour, 'Beyond', is a captivating jazz album that showcases the exceptional talents of its trio lineup, featuring Wickihalder on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, Barry Guy on bass, and Lucas Niggli on drums. Released on 21 April 2017 via Intakt Records, this 53-minute masterpiece delves into the realms of free jazz and avant-garde, presenting a unique sonic landscape that is both deeply affecting and sensuously lyrical.
The nine-track album takes the listener on a journey through a diverse range of emotions and textures, from the strong melodies and exciting grooves of 'A New One' and 'Relaxing in the Forest', to the more contemplative and atmospheric soundscapes of 'The Valley' and 'The Last Breath'. With each composition, Wickihalder, Guy, and Niggli demonstrate their remarkable chemistry, weaving together intricate patterns and harmonies that showcase their individual musical biographies and collective creativity.
Throughout 'Beyond', the trio's rare and fascinating textural density is evident, with each musician bringing their distinct voice to the table. The result is an album that is at once both challenging and rewarding, inviting the listener to immerse themselves in its rich sonic world. With 'Beyond', Jürg Wickihalder, Barry Guy, and Lucas Niggli have created a truly exceptional work that will resonate with fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, and leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.
