Duet: Busch / Van Kemenade - Press
Tim Sprangers for Volkskrant (NL) 26 september 2011 on the concert in Bimhuis/Amsterdam
Van Kemenade Carte Blanche * * * * *
"Highest Jazzquality
Paul van Kemenade is not interested in musical borders and idioms, but rather in beauty of the compositions and the interplay - no matter what the setting of the group might be. The consequence for the listener is that he will be drawn into conversations about live and death.
In the strong duet with pianist Stevko Busch there is a thrilling tension due to the contrast between the silky and smooth piano and the bluesy lines and the smokey timbre of the saxophone - all that in brilliantly developping compositions and improvisations as well as beautiful interpretations of Russian chants."
Ralf Dombrowski for Süddeutsche Zeitung 11 November 2010, on the Berlin Jazz Festival
"... moments of creative intimacy enthralled audiences, as those for example created by alto saxophonist Paul van Kemenade in a duo with pianist Stevko Busch. In actual fact these were the European moments that Nils Landgren would have hoped for, moments that were unspectacular yet inspired, rooted in tradition yet humorously individual...."
Marc Hoogma by email
'The CD is wonderful. I've never heard Paul play like that before.'
Paul van den Belt for JazzPodium.com 31 July 2010 (NL)
Rating: * * * * *
... on Contemplation Van Kemenade plays like a young god... from lyrical and melodic, to screaming and ecstatic ... they hit the mark, ... a 'heartfelt performance', ... delightful abundance, ... a great intensity that almost feels religious. ... enigmatic, but intensely fascinating five Contemplations.
An album that grows on you the more you play it. (Or is it that you grow on the album?)
In brief, it's richly varied, and it never becomes dull or tiresome.
Frank van Herk for Volkskrant (NL) 10/06/2010
Intimate and reflective * * * *
Busch's accompaniment strongly influences the course and the atmosphere of the sixteen, mostly short pieces, ...his touch and phrasing are more under-cooled than swinging, which makes for a nice contrast with the often preaching, blues-drenched sax.
... a real duet album.
Belorussia: Leonid Auskern for nestor, Minsk
Two pieces ... are based on the works of famous Russian composers Glazunov and Taneyev, ... they are composed with highest regard to the original and are unlikely to meet the objections of the strictest adherence to Orthodox canons.
Busch and Van Kemenade convincingly demonstrate that the jazz language can speak any theme and any trend if dedicated and talented people are involved.
.... get thoroughly absorbed if you need the meditative calm.
.... an inspirational, highly skilful alto saxophone performance by Paul Van Kemenade.
.... deep philosophical content.
Finland 3 JULY 2010, jazzrytmit.com
Some of the pieces are very slow, soulful and minimalist, creating an ambience of spiritual tranquillity. At times the passionate roar of Kemenade’s alto and Busch’s fury on the keyboard has Taylor-like aspects.
Rinus van der Heijden for Jazzenzo (NL) 18/06/2010
It's a unique take!
.. the serious listener will be drawn into the depths, where the skill of both musicians has settled and where emotions are hooked together like the carriages of a train.
... a kind of musical philosophy.
They have found a form where there is not only space for thoughtful music, but where joy and exuberance can also bask in glory.
Herman te Loo for Jazzflits (NL) NO. 140, 28 JUNE 2010
...Sophisticated music, where every note seems to count, and the two musicians co-exist in complete harmony.
Hans Schulte for Jazzpress (NL) 19/06/2010
No machine-gun-speed solos, no super-fast octave leaps, but contemplative play
It does get under your skin, though
"Draaiomjeooren" (NL)
about a concert in Bimhuis, Amsterdam, Feb. 2007
"...the Duet's playing is intense and impressive. The beautiful and sharp tone of the alto saxophone and the delicate accompaniment of Stevko Busch made this part the climax of the concert."
