Achim Kaufmann's set of solo piano improvisations is concise and very adventurous. On some numbers he builds on a rumbling forward momentum à la
Lennie Tristano while others are sound explorations.
Kaufmann fully explores the piano in all of its registers and even inside, where he sometimes "prepares" the piano with tools. He often plays violently but at other times creates an uneasy peace that is anything but peaceful. Other than a reworking of
Herbie Nichols' "2300 Skidoo," all of the music performed is
Kaufmann originals, some of which seem designed for specific purposes even though much of the improvising is quite free. Overall this is an intriguing if somewhat disturbing set of avant-garde jazz. ~ Scott Yanow