Herbert Pixner Projekt
Kufstein
Michael Borek 'It Happened in June' CD Präsentation
Michael Borek presents on this evening his last Solo CD “it Happened in June”, that he recorded in the famous Studios La Buissonne in southern France, and which was introduced as follows by Heinz M. Fischer in the ORF Radio Steiermark Broadcast „jazz at its best“: “Michael Borek (…) has published a remarkable solo production, which I consider to be one of the best releases in this field for a long time. Well thought-out in conception, first class in interpretation, excellent in sound.”
The CD was broadcasted in the Ö1 Jazz Night and was the title theme of Mirjam Jessa’s Ö1 Spielräume broadcast in October 2022: “Comprising a mix of compositions, a few arrangements, many improvisations... and yet the album "It Happened in June" flows like an epic novel with various chapters. The symbiosis of classical elements and jazz; the improvisational approach to composing and interpreting; Borek's attitude of exploring and investigating, his nuanced touch, the solid substance of his music despite its ephemerality - all of this is amazing for someone who made a late decision to appear in public as a musician.”
Further voices on this CD: “It can be that beautiful. It ripples and bubbles in Michael Borek's piano. Finding nothing was perhaps his point, maybe it's just the great art of storytelling without getting bored, even if you don't conjure up the fat stories out of a musical-poetic hat. (…) A thoroughly lyrical and sympathetic record in slumber mode, which seems to stop the momentum… “ (HörBar, Neue Musikzeitung).
“What characterises the album is the subtle blend of classical style and jazz harmony: Borek makes the piano sing with expressive and emotional melodies, yet all in the context of a freer harmonic language than one might expect. Borek’s stylistic blend perhaps comes from the wide variety of musical influences he had growing up: the classical masters such as Bartok, Satie and Chopin, as well as the jazz players Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck. Pianist Keith Jarrett also deserves a mention; his mixture of classical sensibility and harmonic freedom are integral to Borek’s musical personality (…)
It Happened in June is a diverse album full of rich melodies and rich harmony, and an example of a pianist using his instrument as an emotional outlet and a way to stylistic creativity. (Jazz Journal, UK).
The CD was broadcasted in the Ö1 Jazz Night and was the title theme of Mirjam Jessa’s Ö1 Spielräume broadcast in October 2022: “Comprising a mix of compositions, a few arrangements, many improvisations... and yet the album "It Happened in June" flows like an epic novel with various chapters. The symbiosis of classical elements and jazz; the improvisational approach to composing and interpreting; Borek's attitude of exploring and investigating, his nuanced touch, the solid substance of his music despite its ephemerality - all of this is amazing for someone who made a late decision to appear in public as a musician.”
Further voices on this CD: “It can be that beautiful. It ripples and bubbles in Michael Borek's piano. Finding nothing was perhaps his point, maybe it's just the great art of storytelling without getting bored, even if you don't conjure up the fat stories out of a musical-poetic hat. (…) A thoroughly lyrical and sympathetic record in slumber mode, which seems to stop the momentum… “ (HörBar, Neue Musikzeitung).
“What characterises the album is the subtle blend of classical style and jazz harmony: Borek makes the piano sing with expressive and emotional melodies, yet all in the context of a freer harmonic language than one might expect. Borek’s stylistic blend perhaps comes from the wide variety of musical influences he had growing up: the classical masters such as Bartok, Satie and Chopin, as well as the jazz players Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck. Pianist Keith Jarrett also deserves a mention; his mixture of classical sensibility and harmonic freedom are integral to Borek’s musical personality (…)
It Happened in June is a diverse album full of rich melodies and rich harmony, and an example of a pianist using his instrument as an emotional outlet and a way to stylistic creativity. (Jazz Journal, UK).
