MUSIK AN SICH – INMANENCIA (English Translation) Wolfgang Giese, 2023
“The subtitle of the production, ‘Live at Loft Cologne’, refers to the place where this recording by the ensemble Surensemble was made. The eight tracks of the album Inmanencia were recorded on October 20, 2018, and this release marks the group’s second production. Leader of the band is drummer Pablo Sáez from Santiago de Chile. What immediately stands out in the line-up is the presence of two guitarists. This creates a particular tension that goes beyond the mere difference between acoustic and electric guitar, as both musicians play in distinctly different ways. On ‘Cono Sur,’ for instance, Miguelángel Clerc performs with notable freedom. Brämswig, on the other hand, can spontaneously be placed in the era of the 1970s, when jazz rock took flight and many virtuosic guitarists emerged. In those moments of his solos, the band instantly jumps onto this wild fusion train, generating a highly expressive atmosphere together.
Beyond that, there is naturally a substantial presence of Latin jazz influences, marked by a light, airy approach. In this respect, Sáez and his ensemble present a successful amalgamation of various influences—Afro-American roots, folkloric elements, and modern jazz shaped by the fusion movement of the 1970s, while also integrating jazz traditions. The result is music that is indeed captivating, further enhanced by the freshness and spontaneity inherent in its live performance. This expresses itself at times through exuberant energy, yet also through many calm and lyrical passages that unfold broadly. A very beautiful and flowing interpretation appears in the rendition of ‘Libertango’ by Astor Piazzolla, where Brämswig plays in a distinctly jazz-influenced manner, reminding me somewhat of Pat Metheny. Sáez provides a driving swing and incorporates several solo elements into the piece, accompanied by the piano.
For me, this track represents one of the highlights of the album, which concludes with a bonus piece recorded with a different line-up (see personnel). Evidently, ‘Las preguntas de Cristóbal’ was not recorded live; it also sounds different from the other seven tracks. With the use of flute and violin, it presents an entirely different atmosphere—as if emerging from an enchanted forest in a fairy tale.”
WOLFGANG GIESE, 2023