Depart – Depart (CD2058)

Depart is a powerhouse trio: Austrian saxophonist Harry Sokal and the Swiss rhythm section of bassist Heiri Känzigand drummer Jojo Mayer. This is their first album, recorded on January 20–22, 1987 at Benkö Studio in Vienna.

There’s no piano and no guitar, but the trio fills the space easily. Sokal plays tenor and soprano with fire, Känzig drives the music with heavy, melodic bass lines, and Mayer adds electronic percussion to his drums. That was unusual for a jazz trio in 1987. The result is a wild, energetic mix of jazz, fusion and free improvisation, with a love of groove and a sense of humour. You can hear it in a title like “Depart (disco bop?)”. Tracks like “Something from Jupiter”, “Floating Bow” and “Overload” show the band’s full range, from atmospheric to explosive.

This is essential listening for fans of saxophone trios, European jazz fusion, and anyone who knows Jojo Mayer from his later drum’n’bass work with Nerve. Released on Moers Music. When you buy here, you’re buying directly from the label, and we only sell originals.

The Side Story

Depart was founded in 1985 and became one of the most in-demand festival bands in Europe until 1994. Its members came out of some of the best bands in jazz. Harry Sokal, born in Vienna in 1954, was a founding member of the Vienna Art Orchestra and played in Art Farmer’s quintet for 20 years. He also played on Austrian pop records, including Falco’s album Einzelhaft. Heiri Känzig also played with Art Farmer and the Vienna Art Orchestra, and later with musicians like Kenny Wheeler.

The drummer later became a star. Jojo Mayer, born in Zurich in 1963, got his first drum kit at the age of two. At 18 he was touring with pianist Monty Alexander and backing legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Nina Simone. He was only 23 when this album was recorded. In 1991 he moved to New York, played with the Screaming Headless Torsos and James Blood Ulmer, and founded his band Nerve, which plays drum’n’bass and electronic beats live on acoustic drums. Today he’s considered one of the most influential drummers of his generation.

After almost ten years apart, Depart reunited in 2005 with the albums Reloaded and Mountain Messenger, and moved more into a mix of jazz and Alpine folk music. It all started here, on Moers Music.

Tracklist

1. Chilby – 6:03

2. Stick – 3:10

3. Floating Bow – 5:40

4. Something from Jupiter – 6:15

5. Depart (Disco Bop?) – 5:12

6. Triart – 4:47

7. The Fourth Man – 6:00

8. Overload – 3:39

Total running time: approx. 41 minutes

Personnel

• Harry Sokal – soprano & tenor saxophone

• Heiri Känzig – bass

• Jojo Mayer – drums, electronic percussion

Details

• Format: CD

• Label: Moers Music

• Catalog no.: CD2058

• Recorded: January 20–22, 1987, Benkö Studio, Vienna

• Price: €14.00