Sweet, Sour, Sharp & Soft

• Sweet
• Grix, grix
• Sour

Recorded January 3 & 4, 2008 at Studio Magnanimous, Thessaloniki, Greece The dedicated and resourceful saxophonist Floros Floridis is undoubtedly one of Greece's finest improvisation musicians. In the jazz scene, the globetrotter has become known mainly through his collaboration with like-minded colleagues such as Peter Kowald and Günter "Baby" Summer. Floridis is a concern to empower other Greek musicians on their way to free music. "I prefer to improvise freely" he says. "Free improvisation is the way I appreciate the most and believe in the most." On the CD of his new trio GRIX, this attitude is expressed in a remarkable way. For this dozen spontaneous compositions, the 55-year-old teamed up with two extremely talented younger musicians from his hometown of Thessaloniki. The pianist Antonis Anissegos (*1970) and drummer Yorgos Dimitriadis (*1964) both live in Berlin, where Floridis is also frequently guests. Although the titular feature words seem contradictory at first glance, "Sweet, Sour, Sharp & Soft" describes exactly how the three outstanding improvisers play on this remarkable and highly original recording. All pieces testify to a mutual sonic fertilization, so that each individual player of the trio contributes significantly to the success of the CD. The concentrated hardness is one of the outstanding features of the album in addition to the almost psychic interaction and comprehensive technical skills.