Wake-Up Call is Drori Mondlak’s debut release as a leader of his group, Straight Circle on DroriDrumsMusic (DM1492).
The group’s unusual name comes from the group’s belief that music which speaks from one’s heart and soul straight to the heart and soul of another, creates and unbroken circle where a conversational flow takes shape. This connection between the musicians creates the musical landscape and fills it with feeling, depth, and meaning.
For this recording session Drori brought together the musicians he has worked and recorded with for a long time. They share a special musical rapport. This recording represents their efforts to shape and sculpt a unique sound in the writing, arranging and improvisational aspects of the music.
Four compositions were written specifically for this recording date and these musicians in mind. There are original compositions from Drori, Cary and Karolina, as well as unique original arrangements of standards and jazz classics from Monk and Brubeck.
The musicians:
Drori Mondlak –drummer and leader.
Karolina Strassmayer- alto saxophonie, flute
Cary DeNigris- guitar
Paul Ramsey – electric bass
Musician Information:
Drori Mondlak - Jazz greats like Joe Williams, Ernestine Anderson, Frank Foster, Don Friedman, Danny Mixon and Lynn Seaton have employed Drori Mondlak for his exceptional skills as a creative accompanist and soloist. A presence on the New York City jazz scene since the mid 1980s, he has now made Cologne, Germany his second home, in order to participate more fully in the European creative music scene. Drori's touch, subtlety, feel and interactive approach to the music have brought him international critical acclaim on stages worldwide as well as performing and recording opportunities with many musicians, including: John Hicks, Bill Charlap, Chris Potter, Lew Tabackin, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ralph Lalama, Eric Person, Ron McClure, Phil Markowitz, Dave Stryker, Vic Juris, Fritz Pauer, Barbara Dennerlein, Tony Lakatos and many more.
Karolina Strassmayer - Voted Top Five Alto Saxophonist in the 2004 Downbeat Readers Poll, Karolina has obtained critical acclaim for her phenomenal musicianship since arriving in New York City from her native Austria. The first female member of the renowned, Grammy winning WDR (West German Radio) Big Band based in Cologne, Karolina has been commuting between the USA and Germany, quickly becoming a force on the international jazz scene. In the WDR Big Band, she has had the opportunity to perform with guest artists such as McCoy Tyner, Joe Zawinul and Joe Lovano.
Cary DeNigris - has been called "one of the most incredible guitarists on the jazz scene today with an astonishing facility and depth of soul to match" (Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times Magazine). With over a decade of critically acclaimed recordings and performances under his belt, DeNigris continues to hone his unique sound and writing style. Emerging in the late '80s as a featured member of the Chico Hamilton Quartet, he continues to receive rave reviews in the US and abroad, both as a composer and player.
Paul Ramsey – is a unique electric bassist possessing a warm fat sound that is as close to an acoustic bass as an electric bass can sound. He grooves and lays down a beautiful feel for the rest of the group to ride on.
He has worked with many artists, including Sonny Rollins, Chico Hamilton and also recorded Cary DeNigris’s debut recording “Between the Lines”
that also features Drori Mondlak behind the drums.
FROM THE PRESS;
“From prelude to finale, this first class CD is a virtual wake-up call for those who haven’t had the opportunity to get gassed by drummer Drori Mondlak & Straight Circle, a jazz quartet that has much to say.”
Dr. Herb Wong, IAJE Journal
“Mondlak furthers his reputation for classy drumming and masterful brushwork. With his new release, Wake-Up Call he also establishes himself as an exceptional leader.”
Judith Schlesinger – All Music Guide
Please visit the artist’s website for more information: www.drorimondlak.com
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