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Claudia Quintet

I Claudia

Cunieform

The Claudia Quintet¯s second release, I, Claudia demonstrates that "Innovative jazz does not have to be harsh, angry, loud, shrill or grating; it can be delicate, witty, ethereal and radiantly lyric, as the Claudia Quintet pointed out...." (Chicago Tribune).

Formed by composer/drummer John Hollenbeck in 1997, this New York ensemble creates music that explores the edge in a manner that captivates and enthralls novice listeners, and keeps experienced fans returning for more.

åClaudia¯s¯ newest release, I, Claudia is a highly seductive work, ripe with compelling, propulsive grooves, dynamic sensitivity and telepathic improvisation. In the words of Nate Chinen for the Philadelphia City Paper: ËIt¯s impossible to classify The Claudia Quintet (postmodern- ethnic-ambient- chamber- jazz anyone?) but surprisingly easy to understand its language.Ó

Perhaps you could call it postjazz, for it is as carefully crafted as anything from contemporary classical music¯s minimalist camp, and wouldn¯t sound out of place played next to postrock acts such as Tortoise or Stereolab.

As the New York Times stated recently: "if this music were a little bit dumber, it would resemble the music of the rock band Tortoise. No disrespect to Tortoise."

ËI think of it as party music for smart people," says Hollenbeck¹though this is the farthest thing from a jam-band set. The solos are tightly structured, the tunes flow in and out of odd time signatures, and the melodic palette draws more from classical, Balkan, and Latin American colors than the predictable rock-funk m´lange. Yet in truth, the ingredients are almost too diffuse to be isolated.

See also

John Hollenbeck Joys and Desires