Horst-Michael Schaffer & Jazz Bigband Graz - The Space Between Us (2023) [Official Digital Download]

For several years now, due to the global situation, our society has been collectively required not only to leave the usual paths, but also to break new ground in many areas. This includes creativity and new ways of thinking. We are also becoming more and more aware that these challenging times are holding up a mirror to our society and are also pressuring and changing our interpersonal space. Cohesion seems more fragile than ever, but what does that do to each and every one of us?

The Jazz Bigband Graz's new program entitled "THE SPACE BETWEEN US" deals with exactly this interpersonal space, which has become more and more important due to the pandemic, and illuminates the current state of our society. But not with a raised finger, but with the sensitive expressiveness of music on topics such as “hope”, “fear”, “resistance”, “respect” or “freedom”. These are no longer empty slogans about individual sensitivities or personal perspectives, but rather topics that are highly stylized and emotionally discussed in the media. One thing is certain: a distance virus has increasingly infiltrated all of our lives in recent months, which in many cases no longer allows us to clearly distinguish reality from fiction.

Horst-Michael Schaffer plays subtly with this tension-filled space and allows it to become visible in almost epic compositions. On the one hand playfully light, then again melancholically meditative or even spectacular, as if everything were just an exaggerated unreality, on this journey you dive into the human cosmos, into a musical world of your own - somewhere between jazz, pop, world, minimal music and Electronics. It brings together some of the best musicians and soloists in the European jazz scene.

With video recordings and a sophisticated sound and lighting design, this program becomes a multimedia experience.

A profound and entertaining examination of the present. Current jazz can hardly be more exciting at the moment!

Over the last 20 years, the JBBG Jazz Bigband Graz has managed to create its own distinctive sound under the artistic direction of trumpeter & singer Horst-Michael Schaffer and saxophonist Heinrich von Kalnein, thereby establishing itself internationally as one of the leading voices in the European jazz orchestra landscape position. It brings together some of the best musicians and soloists in the German-speaking region. Their unique sound combines a contemporary orchestral approach with large melodic arcs and current grooves to electronica, minimal music and African influences.

JBBG Jazz Big Band Graz
Horst-Michael Schaffer, trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals, artistic direction
Ben Arogundade, spoken word
Yasmo, rap

Tracklist:
01. Becoming
02. Praslin
03. Superspreader
04. Resistance of Humanity
05. Hope


Thanks to the Original customer!