Stefan Bauer/Chris Bacas and Voyage West
“A kind of world music that cannot be found on any map”
Tammy Scheffer - voice
Chris Bacas - soprano,tenor sax
Stefan Bauer - vibes/marimba
Dean Johnson - bass
Rogerio Boccato - percussion
For their ensemble, Voyage West, vibraphonist Stefan Bauer and saxophonist Chris Bacas surround themselves with musicians who share their inclusive aesthetic and who play with inspired ease and intensity. Following are a few quotes from their last tour in Nov.14 and their latest CD GEOGRAPHIA:
. . . formally beautiful, pleasant, round and coherent. On the other hand the band moves off the beaten track and takes unexpected turns beyond known routes and routines with their dense interplay, which is based on closely composed or openly improvised movement. Voyage carries our imagination with fancy sounds to extraordinary places and to wonderful islands beyond time and space.
The line-up with voice, soprano-sax and vibes/marimba blends superbly and results, together with bass and drums, in an exceptional and round band sound. Music for body, mind and soul in the best way!
Bacas and Bauer take the listener with their band Voyage West on a musical expedition that blends exquisite improvisations with ambient sounds, resulting in enchanting world jazz.
Close listening is being rewarded with imaginative melodies, equally sensitive and powerful improvisations and exciting rhythms.
This is an amazing recording! Once again I’m fascinated by Bauer/Bacas and their band’s ability to create a rhythmic, melodic and harmonic cosmos entirely of its own. The music on this CD again has a very high degree of originality and individualism. Equally amazing is the interaction, and the overall sound of the CD.