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Thomas Maintz

In the summer of 2009, Danish jazz guitarist Thomas Maintz released his debut album, "This is the Color…"The title refers to a painting by Miró, and this painting and other masterpieces by great artists were the inspiration for several of the album's compositions.

The album's musical depth and profundity has received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the Danish music critics. Jazz Special, Denmark’s leading national jazz magazine, has this to say about the album: "…a generous gift to jazz aficionados everywhere, on both a national and international level."

"…dynamic, thoroughly integrated, streamlined improvised music of the highest contemporary caliber.”

"…exquisite, through-composed, abstract melodic pearls"

"…music of great melodic beauty and intensity"

"This is the Color…" was furthermore selected for a half-hour spotlight presentation on the leading Danish jazz radio program, "Jazz on P2"

Thomas Maintz performs on "This is the color…" together with some of Denmark's most gifted and exciting musicians - saxophonist Jesper Løvdal (Lovedale, Kresten Osgood), bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk (Thomas Clausen) og drummer Morten Lund (Stefano Bollani, Sinne Eeg).

The album's visuals are the creation of Swedish art photographer Kajsa Gullberg, who has been the inspiration behind several books. The cover of "This is the color…" was selected as one of the artworks for "The Face of Jazz (Jazzens Ansigt") exhibition in the summer of 2009.

The album is 56 minutes long, featuring primarily original compositions by Thomas Maintz, with the exception of a trio version of "Alone Together” and a solo guitar arrangement of ”Someday My Prince Will Come”, where Maintz introduces a whole new guitar technique.

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Album Review

Thomas Maintz: This is the Color...

Read "This is the Color..." reviewed by Jakob Baekgaard


There's an idiomatic expression in English called “thinking outside the box," which means that trying to think creatively, unimpeded by conventional restraints. In the case of Danish guitarist Thomas Maintz, the expression is taken quite literally. Using a box with postcards of famous paintings, Maintz randomly picked a card and improvised over it, and the result is three lyrical pieces inspired by Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Edward Hopper. Miro's painting, “This is the Color of my ...

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The whole album is pervaded by profound sense of depth, perspective, and tranquillity. Maintz himself, as composer, rhythm-section member and soloist, is the discreet creative driving force at the center. And whether he is playing alone, or together with the group, the music that pours out is of great melodic beauty and intensity. (Jazz Special)

His tasty and tender single caress of “Someday My Prince Will Come” is breathtaking and shows an almost encyclopedic chord knowledge. Fans of the ECM sound will especially go for the recorded sonics heard herein. This Danish guitarist has crafted a winner and will be another name to look out for in the future. Larry Hollis (Cadence Magazine)

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Present

Gateway Music
2014

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This is the Color...

Gateway Music
2010

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