Christoph Irniger Trio Octopus (2015)

Word is beginning to get around that the Christoph Irniger Trio’s Octopus should be on the shortlist for anyone wondering where to make a start with his impressive music before going back to the earlier, 2012 album, or his other recordings outside of this trio. This music was recorded in the winter of last year (2014) and has something of a lacerating quality of a masterpiece. The music also shows Mr. Irniger to have a remarkable quality for dodging the obvious just when it seems that the music might get predictable. To do so he and his trio find inspiration in the most unlikely places, drawing attention away from the individual instruments and replacing that with a delightful ensemble sound that is full of energetic excitement, brilliance and the genuine avant-garde spirit.