Celebration

Album Description

Celebration is a captivating live album by the legendary pianist Irène Schweizer, accompanied by the masterful drummer Hamid Drake. Released on Intakt Records, this 43-minute exploration into the realms of free jazz and avant-garde was recorded live at the 40th Festival for Free and Improvised Music in Nickelsdorf on July 26, 2019. The album features nine improvisational tracks, each a testament to the spontaneous creativity and deep musical connection between Schweizer and Drake.

The album kicks off with "A Former Dialogue," setting the stage for a journey through intricate rhythms and expressive melodies. Tracks like "Hot Sunflowers" and "The Good Life" showcase Schweizer's virtuosic piano playing, while Drake's dynamic drumming adds layers of complexity and energy. "Twister" and "Stringfever" highlight the duo's ability to blend structured compositions with free improvisation, creating a unique and engaging listening experience.

Celebration is not just a collection of songs but a live documentation of a performance that captures the essence of free jazz. Irène Schweizer, at the age of 80, continues to push the boundaries of her art, delivering a powerful and inspiring album that stands as a testament to her enduring talent and innovation. Whether you're a longtime fan of Schweizer's work or a newcomer to the world of free jazz, Celebration offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the beauty and complexity of improvised music.

April 16, 2021

2021 Rosina Kuhn

2021 Intakt Records

About Irène Schweizer

Irène Schweizer (1941-2024) was a pioneering Swiss pianist and drummer, celebrated as one of the founders of European free jazz. Born in Schaffhausen, she began her musical journey playing boogie-woogie, blues, and ragtime before developing her distinctive, free-improvising style. Schweizer's unique approach combined unconventional piano techniques with percussive elements, clusters, and traditional pianism, creating a sound that was entirely her own. Throughout her career, she performed extensively, captivating audiences in renowned venues across Europe and the United States. Schweizer's influence on the jazz world is immense, and she is remembered as a visionary and a true icon of Swiss jazz.