The band focuses on modern mainstream jazz combined with elements of other musical genres. It draws mainly from traditional Slovak music and the music of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. It integrates these influences into its own original compositions and occasionally arranges original folk songs as well as jazz standards, thus creating a specific sound of the ensemble and its own approach to jazz music. It has collaborated with various domestic and foreign guests, both jazz musicians and artists of various musical backgrounds. The group has given concerts in Europe and Latin America. The concert lineup has settled on a quintet lineup, where, in addition to the classic “rhythm section”, two deep-sounding solo instruments stand out in the foreground – the baritone saxophone and the bass trombone. Their specific sound and compositional and arranging approach are specific features of the band.
The group released the album Schumanova rezonancia on June 30, 2022 with Spanish flutist Jorge Pardo. Pardo is known as a pioneer of modern flamenco, referred to as flamenco nuevo or jazz flameco. He was a long-time member of the group Paca de Luciu and has collaborated with world-class musicians such as Chick Corea.
„I have been following Jorge since my teenage years. I was fascinated by his specific playing style, which drew from the flamenco tradition enriched with new elements. I am very happy that he accepted the invitation and is part of our album. His calm and at the same time captivating musical expression was a great fit for our project„, says Erik Rothenstein.
CD Teaser
A live concert with singers Ellsa Valle and Gábor Winand (Erik Rothenstein band LIVE – Bebe Rebe 2020) was recorded in Považská Bystrica. Two exceptional guests, good energy in the band and nice moments captured at the concert…..
The album Rio Danubio (Music Fund 2015) is characterized by Brazilian rhythms (Bossa Nova or Samba) as well as an Afro-Cuban approach (Tumbao, 12/8 feeling). This concept is connected to a modern Latin-jazz sound built on grooves and melodic themes. The majority of the project consists of original compositions supplemented with stylistically modified jazz standards. Blues form and modal surfaces, singing melodies and more complex structured compositions connected with Latin grooves form the core of this project. The music feels fresh, sometimes with dance sequences, which are immediately replaced by expressive solos.
On his first two albums Prater Menuet (Hudobné centrum 2005) and Blázni z Chelmu (Real Music House 2013), he combines jazz with Slovak and Central European and Balkan folklore. He also mixes the essence of klezmer music, which was played in this region, into this “melting pot”. The combination of more sophisticated jazz harmony, melodies stemming from traditional folklore music and varied solo and collective improvisational areas give the songs a new context and a unique character.