Co Streiff – Russ Johnson Quartet

<strong>Carte Blanche</strong>
Instead of the «Artist in Residence», for 2019 the Moods Jazz Association has organized a new «Carte Blanche» series which thus puts six outstanding musicians from the Zurich Jazz scene in the spotlight. They are offered the opportunity to compile a program that can be played throughout the year in Moods and other venues.

The New York journalist Andrey Henkin described the approach by the quartet of Swiss saxophonist Co Streiff and American trumpeter Russ Johnson as a mixture of bold playing and gripping melodies. Their relationship is anchored by a common aesthetic awareness and the belief that progress does not necessarily mean sacrificing the melody or groove. Their experience – Streiff as the bandleader of various outfits and from her work with pianist Irène Schweizer; Johnson, who has played with almost everyone in New York – are the best credentials for an intercultural exchange. Together Streiff and Johnson develop a wonderful sound, almost Blue Note, before they take a leap forward over decades.