Kairos 4tet - Everything We Hold [CD]

Everything We Hold, is an album that revels in its distinctiveness. Kairos 4tet, fronted by saxophonist and composer Adam Waldmann, are fast becoming a cornerstone of the British jazz scene. They spearhead a new breed of ensembles - bridging the gap between classic and contemporary; the jazz idiom and the lineage of song; burning improvisations and tunes that linger long after the music stops. In 2010 Waldmann released Kairos Moment, an album that marked him out as "a powerful new voice in British jazz" (BBC), and as a "precociously talented composer and player" (All About Jazz). In 2011, their second release, Statement of Intent, led to the MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act. In 'Everything We Hold' Waldmann explores in great depth the art of song. Stand out vocals come courtesy of Swedish chanteuse Emilia Mårtensson, acclaimed neo-soul icon Omar, and husky voiced, emerging Irish singer-songwriter Marc O'Reilly. Lyrics were written by lyricist, film-maker, and actor Rupert Friend (Pride & Prejudice, Young Victoria, Homeland). Skillfully produced by Jules Buckley, the founder-conductor of the Heritage Orchestra, and principal guest conductor with Holland's Metropole Orchestra. Yet the Kairos 4tet trademark qualities remain. At the very core of each song is a lyrical, melodic quality and exceptional inventiveness. Waldmann, a graceful player, displays remarkable talent whether on breathy tenor or quirky soprano, and with bassist Jasper Hoiby's muscular basslines, Ivo Neame's dazzling piano and Jon Scott's solid drumming, the quartet allow a sharp improvisational edge to shine through.