DESCRIPTION:
Jani Moder & Sky High Low Down, Barnette Records 2012
Jaka Kopac: saxophone
Erik Marence: Hammond organ
Klemens Marktl: drums
Jani Moder: guitar


Jani Moder, guitars; Jaka Kopač, saxophone; Erik Marenče, Hammond organ, Klemens Marktl, drums



Berklee College of Music graduate, Jani Moder has asserted himself as one of the leading Slovenian jazz guitarists. Member of EMJO, European Movement Jazz Orchestra, the guitarist has worked with a number of acclaimed jazz musicians. Jani Moder has performed in Europe, USA and Africa and has recorded over 40 cd's as a sideman. His latest album Sky High Low Down was released by Barnette Records. The music, which contains interesting and complex rhythmic motives, dedicated group playing and "virtuoso" solo sections was written by Jani Moder. Album received great reviews all over the world.

Reviews:


- In the rich history of guitar-hammond B3 collaborations, one may think that there is not much left to discover and explore,
but Jani Moder doesn't think so. With the augmentation of alto and drums, he has put together a truly fantastic and energetic ensemble
that pushes the boundaries of this traditional configuration into the 21st Century.
With thought-provoking melodies, varied rhythms over odd-meters with metric modulations, and rich harmonic colors, the band floats
seamlessly through the often challenging tunes. From the waltz-like "Yellow", the upbeat and funky "Exhale", the introspective and
melancholy "A Little Prayer Would Help", and the mini-epic "Vile" with it's varied story-like sections, Jani's compositions have warmth, depth and variety.
Not only are they skillfully written and clever, but they also contain the most important ingredients in a guitar-organ combo - groove, feel and vibe!!!

Kudos to this wonderful musical gathering, and to the bright future of the wonderful Slovenian guitarist Jani Moder.

David Gilmore, New York City, 2012


- All about jazz: review by Jerry D'Souza:
Guitarist Jani Moder brings an array of styles into play on Sky High Low Down, with a sense of accomplishment that never lets the movement or the mode get ahead of his field of vision. He carries his art into bop as easily as he does into a ballad that coaxes a rainbow of soft colors from the song's harmonic folds.

The quartet gets off to a lively start with exuberance on "Exhale." The hint of a Latin melody coalesces into upbeat funk driven by saxophonist Jaka Kopač, before Moder brings in some thick notes that soon slip into bop. Moving the tempo up while keeping the momentum loquacious, the guitarist then loosens a flurry of juicy notes. What makes it all the more interesting is the hardier métier that Kopač injects to extend the composition's organic grasp.

Interplay casts a warm glow on "Blueish." Moder is introspective casting space judiciously before changing the trajectory with a charged locution that electrifies the atmosphere. The blues find its vent as organist Erik Marence lays down a soulful terrain, washing it in soaring notes and in the transposition of the melody into inventive shores. The detail is rich, as drummer Klemens Marktl tingles on the cymbals and hits a deep groove to drive the beat.

The jumpy, effervescent "Mixed Emotions" is set into motion by Moder. After he works the changes under the saxophone, the guitarist comes back to let his instrument sing and romp as he unveils the melody. Moder lays the framework of his skills on the line as he seamlessly essays changes across a mellifluous and impressive tonal range.
Moder's 4Tet keeps interest percolating with an entertaining array of rhythms.

Track Listing: Exhale; Coco-nut; Blueish; Ville; Yellow; A Little Prayer Would Help; Mixed Emotions.
Personnel: Jani Moder: guitars; Jaka Kopac: saxophone; Erik Marence: Hammond organ; Klemens Marktl: drums.
Record Label: BARNETTE Records | Style: Modern Jazz