"Spring" is a captivating live album featuring the dynamic duo of Irène Schweizer on piano and Jürg Wickihalder on soprano and tenor sax. Recorded in February 2014 at Loft Köln, this album is a testament to the raw, unfiltered power of free jazz and avant-garde improvisation. Schweizer, a pioneering figure in Swiss jazz, delivers a masterclass in spontaneous composition, her fingers dancing over the keys with a virtuosity that is both exhilarating and deeply expressive.
Wickihalder complements Schweizer's piano with his distinctive sax lines, creating a dialogue that is as intense as it is harmonious. The album's ten tracks, including standouts like "Red Light Crossing Friends" and "Green," showcase the duo's ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz, resulting in a sound that is uniquely their own.
With a runtime of just over 52 minutes, "Spring" is a concise yet powerful exploration of the possibilities within free jazz. The album's release on Intakt Records in September 2014 marked a significant moment in the careers of both Schweizer and Wickihalder, solidifying their status as innovators in the genre. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of avant-garde music, "Spring" offers a thrilling journey into the heart of improvisational jazz.