Jazzanova is far more than just a band. After a ten-year absence, the Germans are back to demonstrate once again the singularity of their approach. Over the years, this group has transformed itself into a production company, a collective of DJs, prolific remixers, radio programmers, label bosses and even festival producers. When Alex Barck, Claas Brieler, Axel Reinemer, Jürgen von Knoblauch and Stefan Leisering first met, they were all deeply rooted in the club scene, worshipping funk, jazz, disco, Latin sounds and above all old vinyl. Signed with Michael Reinboth's label Compost Records in Munich (himself already being a well-established artist, with his “Future Sound of Jazz” compilations), Jazzanova founded JCR (Jazzanova Compost Records) to bring their eagerly awaited music to their audience, whether on stage or alongside other artists, from Kyoto to Philadelphia. Never far from the studios, they have forged links with other musicians and embraced neo-soul, broken beat, nu jazz, deep house and a multitude of other sounds, without ever succumbing to one genre in particular... The Pool, by far the most complete Jazzanova album, is the culmination of a process. "Our influences have been the same since we started out, says Leisering. The way we use a sample, the way we play an instrument in the studio, I think it all sounds very coherent." This 2018 vintage is the result of a constant search to play and replay samples. The group looks to gather, share and exchange, this time with guests as diverse as Oddisee, Jamie Cullum, Rachel Sermanni, KPTN, Noah Slee, Paul Randolph, Ben Westbeech and Charlotte OC. A brilliant sonic patchwork of groove and rhythm. © Clotilde Maréchal/Qobuz