ARCeology : The Music Of MSM Schmidt (2022)

"What makes this an exceptionally good record is that neither fusion nor big band is dominant. The two genres are impressively and beautifully merged together. It is an upbeat fast-moving, eight-song ride which never sleeps. Six of the tunes are enlightening compositions from Schmidt's previous records - broadly re-imagined as vastly compelling and genre-defying works of art. The many changes, which dart in and out with spontaneous sensibility, are briskly navigated by a team led by Haslip and Kinsey. German composer MSM Schmidt has again written free-flowing melodic tunes, which are as diverse as they are complex. The former big band drummer has emerged as a prolific and progressive composer that has intelligently provided spacious opportunities for improvisation. Schmidt's sharp sense of vision paves the way for inventive collaborators to expand with fresh ideas and directions. Schmidt turned to Jimmy Haslip and Scott Kinsey to produce this new creation." (uit de lange recensie van AllAboutJazz)