KlickKlack about the ensemble “Passo Avanti”
Source: Bayerischer Rundfunk 2017
Passo Avanti live at NDR Kultur
The Passo Avanti quartet is presenting a new symbiosis of classical and jazz. The four highly virtuosic musicians feel at home in both styles and move effortlessly between the genres, between interpretation and improvisation, between tender and impetuous.
In the extremely flexible instrumentation (violin, clarinet, guitar and cello) chamber music is possible in the best string quartet tradition as well as the fiery swinging of a Gypsy Jazz Combo. It is not only a combination of jazz musicians with classical musicians, but here, all members of the ensemble are educated in both styles. This is why new, closer forms of interaction are possible.
The quartet does not simply add to classic melodies a swinging rhythm. Classical and jazz are woven in a complex way and complement each other to form their own, universal language. The concept of intermixing, indeed merging the two styles, also presented with an unusual instrumental setting, is like a red line through the concert, building up enormous tension curves. The result is entertaining, versatile and simply virtuosic — the intense musicality of the four professionals is contagious and inspiring.