A swirling vortex that disappears into a giant, extinct subterranean volcano. It's an endless interplay between the plunge into the endless depths of the sea and the thrill of savoring the danger at the edge of the whirlpool. In any case, there is no such thing as safety. Fish and other marine creatures instinctively avoid the vicinity of the whirlpool, while humans repeatedly fall victim to their unquenchable curiosity and venture too close.
"With guitar, saxophone, and drums, Axel Zajac, Salim Javaid, and Jo Beyer create more colors and spaces for association than one would expect from such a small ensemble, and they enjoy deconstruction so much that their music becomes a thoroughly humorous commentary on the possibilities of contemporary jazz. Reason enough to present them with the 7th European Burghausen Young Jazz Prize," explains the jury. (March 18, 2015, JazzZeitung editorial team)
"[...] For example, the band "Malstrom" performed, a trio with an unusual line-up: a saxophonist, a guitarist, and a drummer interpreted their own pieces, such as "A Green Meadow with Colorful Flowers on It." Axel Zajac, with his unconventional eight-string guitar, engaged in no less unconventional exchanges with saxophonist Salim Javaid. Melodic, beautiful passages were counteracted by experimental, associative ones, and established listening habits were condensed." (Tom Bullmann, NOZ, July 2014)
"The music of the three is a perfectly played blend of progressive rock from bands like Dream Theatre or Tool, guitar virtuosos like Yngwie Malmsteen, and the intricate jazz of Steve Coleman or the expressiveness of John Zorn. Added to this, however, is a youthful naivety and freshness that is enjoyable. Of course, anyone expecting swing or hard bop was disappointed. But anyone who took the time to listen and experience this music experienced a concert that was astonishing. Every break is spot on, nothing crunches, the countless rhythms shift into even more intricate ones; a reasonably ambitious musician would need weeks to rehearse the melodic lines casually delivered by the saxophone and guitar. Perhaps a bold decision to open Jazz Week with such an edgy piece, but certainly a very good one." (BR blog, Ulrich Habersetzer, March 19, 2015)
01 Bubble Tea Ache Part 1
02 The Revenant
03 The obolus
04 A Green Meadow With Colorful Flowers On It Part 1
05 The Reptilian Shapeshifter
06 Can't Hold Us Down
07 A Green Meadow With Colorful Flowers On It Part 2
08 Blood Toll
09 Bubble Tea Ache Part 2
10 The Suburban Children
