This June Andi Haberl (The Notwist) and Florian Zimmer (Saroos, Driftmachine) celebrate the launch of the excellent debut Bella Wakame album on Umor Rex with a special concert at part of the Jazzexcess series at Kantine Berghain. With our favourite Finish saxophonist Otis Sandsjö aka Y-Otis also performing live, this is sure to be a first class evening.
Roughly two years after the release of their initial statement of intent, debut single “Toutpartout PT2” with its hypnotic ripples, Andi Haberl and Florian Zimmer aka Bella Wakame have successfully channeled the magic of a 2024 live recording (captured at Berlin’s Donau115 & Silent Green) into their first proper studio offering.
You can hear inspirations ranging from Bitchin Bajas, Jeremiah Chiu to Groupshow (Jelinek, Leichtmann, Pekler), the hypnotic, intricate battle between form and freedom (the fun of momentary formlessness) continues to unfold over the course of 10 new tracks, featuring album guest Indra Dunis (Peaking Lights). Their first single “Shadows of Nambei” was very much inspired by the wonderful band Spirit Fest and their song “Nambei”.
Otis Sandsjö, known for his physical, yet melancholic style of playing, has in recent years grown to become one of the more sought after young saxophonists on the European progressive jazz and pop circuit. Berlin-based Sandjsö returned with his new album “Y-OTIS 2” on 24 July via Helsinki’s We Jazz Records. An inspired sequel to his 2018 debut ‘Y-OTIS’, the album takes the concept of beat-driven ‘liquid jazz’ created by Sandjsö and his close associate producer/bassist Petter Eldh (Koma Saxo) onto the next level. The lead track ‘Tremendoce’ is based on an infectious flute loop which features Swedish jazz greats Jonas Kullhammar and Per “Texas” Johansson. The core group also includes Dan Nicholls on keys and Tilo Weber on drums.
