Saxophonist/Composer Tobias Meinhart offers a new release in a trio format, which includes Rick Rosato on the double bass and Jesse Simpson on the drums, entitled ” Sunset Park “. Out on May 17th, 2024 via Sonic River Record.
“He Plays from his heart” – New York Jazz Magazine
“A sax player of highest ranking” – Concerto
“Germany’s biggest talent on the saxophone” – JazzTHING
“Commanding!” **** – Downbeat
After seven albums, saxophonist Tobias Meinhart releases his first trio recording. This chordless format, made famous by Sonny Rollins, holds a special allure for any saxophone player. Stripping away any redundancy, it allows the musicians to explore beyond borders and restrictions.
This becomes evident in the opening track “Be Free,” which alludes to that concept and sets the stage for the album. “Sunset Park” is named after the novel by Paul Auster, who holds a special place for Meinhart, but is also the neighbourhood in Brooklyn where the album was recorded, and where many New York musicians currently gather to jam and explore.
Featuring more originals by Meinhart, the band stretches into a couple of odd meter settings. The 9/8 pulse of “White Bear” pays homage to a small dumpling shop in Flushing, Queens, whereas “Dark Horse” plays with a 6/8 Yanvalou groove inspired by Haiti. The band showcases two young rising jazz stars, bass virtuoso Rick Rosato and drum talent Jesse Simpson. Honouring the tradition of Sonny’s trio, the album also includes two standards, serving as a canvas for the trio to draw their own musical ideas.
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Tobias Meinhart is an award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Brooklyn, New York. Born in a small town in rural Bavaria, Germany, Tobias Meinhart has spent the last 15 years carving out a career in the international jazz scene. He performs regularly at New York’s most prestigious jazz clubs (Blue Note, Birdland, Smalls), and tours internationally with his own band. He is an ECHO (German Grammy) nominee, winner of the Getxo Jazz Competition, and his album “Berlin People” made it to first round of the Grammys.
JazzThing Magazine calls Tobias: “Germany’s biggest talent on the saxophone”. Downbeat Magazine listed his latest album “The Painter” as one of the BEST ALBUMS of 2022. Tobias has toured ao. in Ecuador, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Germany. He has been featured at many international Jazz festivals, such as the Jarasum Jazzfestival, Elbjazz and the Blue Note Jazzfestival. Recently he made his debut as a leader at the Winter Jazz Fest in New York.