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Traeben

Træben has everything that defines jazz. Their music is energetic and playful, groovy, spacious, dynamic and transparent. The songs leave an impression of freedom within the performance that has no boundaries and can leap in any direction at any time. The foundation of the music consists of melodic compositions which in performance unfolds into colorful worlds. The band explores the worlds, molding them in their interplay and expanding them seeking new borders and possibilities within them. In this way each song becomes a story with a beginning and an end from first to last note. Solo's and improvisations are essential parts of this and form the building blocks that unfolds the plot. It becomes like a movie where each band member has a role in the story. Træben shows that there is more to a band than a few individuals on a stage and everyone just "doing their own thing". The chemistry and interplay within the band makes the band greater than the sum of its parts. This is the source of the fresh energy and freedom that fuels a sense of purpose in the music. This is the essence of jazz.

Gear

Acoustic Image Selmer Gretsch Fractal QSC Epiphone Guitar Lounge


Tags

Traeben band/orchestra
23
Album Review

Traeben: Push

Read "Push" reviewed by Ian Patterson


A large gap separating a band's CDs usually signals a change in direction. Danish/Dutch combo Traeben's debut, Nordic Project (D.A.P Records, 2008), presented jazz reworkings of Danish and Swedish folk songs, following the lead of Swedish jazz musicians including trumpeter Bengt-Arne Wallin and pianist Jan Johansson in the 1960s, and Norwegian pianist Dag Arnesen in the 2000s, who were all similarly inspired. Traeben's interpretations were lyrical, gently voiced blues, reminiscent of saxophonist Jimmy Giuffre's late 1950s trios featuring guitarist Jim ...

20
Album Review

Traeben: Push

Read "Push" reviewed by James Pearse


The sound of Netherlands-based Traeben is one of unity. While guitarist Jens Larsen and saxophonist Søren Ballegaard unmistakably form the frontline, the chemistry and interplay between these four young musicians is key to understanding Traeben.The quartet's first album, Nordic Project (O.A.P., 2008), was recorded after the four members got together at Hague Conservatory. Nordic Project provided a platform for exploring the ground where Scandinavian melody and jazz rhythms meet.Traeben's second offering is Push. The album opens ...

4
Album Review

Traeben: Push

Read "Push" reviewed by Chris May


With a Danish frontline and Dutch rhythm section, Den Haag-based Træben draws much of its inspiration from the chamber jazz which came out of Los Angeles and San Francisco in the late 1950s and 1960s. Hummable melodies, cool swing, mellifluous improvisation. The whisper rises to a conversational murmer but rarely raises its voice. This is sunny, summer afternoon music.Push is the group's second album, following 2009's Nordic Project (Jarr). With the exception of a new drummer, Haye Jellema, ...

Read more articles
All About Jazz: "On Push, Traeben is consistently playful, spacious and dynamic."

James Pearse (UK)

Jazz Flits: "Music that touches you, because it is natural and honest" Frank Hueser (NL)

Jazzmozaïek: "An album filled with beautiful melodies and a strong lyrical academic undertone" George Tonla -Briquet(BE)

Albumcheck: "Editor's tip of the month in August" Ulf Hundeiker (DE)

Haagsche Courant: "Crisp when in its swinging gear .. ..making one's heart melt in its ballads." Bert Jansma (NL)

Bebop spoken here: "Træben is one of the most musical bands I have heard in recent years" Lance Liddle (UK)

Read more

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Push

Jarr Records
2012

buy
Quite Enough

Quite Enough

From: Push
By Traeben
Top Dog

Top Dog

From: Push
By Traeben

Videos

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