Explosive Energy

Last night I had the distinct privilege of witnessing the explosively creative power of the Hoenig-Pilc monster. Drummer Ari Hoenig and pianist Jean-Michel Pilc along with bassist Hans Glawischnig played at the Artist's Quarter in downtown St. Paul, MN. This trio played with the most intense energy that I have seen in a live jazz act, using metric-modulation, intense instances of delicacy, and their communicative powers to propel the music in every direction possible. Hoenig's creativeness as a drummer is unmatched - after hearing him play the melody to and improvise on Nat Adderley's "Work Song" with as much soul and emotion as any saxophonist that I have heard, you know that he has total command of his instrument. Hearing that group last night was like a breath of fresh air. It inspiring to watch a group of artists make something as complex as the music that they were playing sound so effortless. I can only continue to aspire to be as good at my craft as they are at theirs.