Félix Zurstrassen, new Leader in the service of the meeting between modern and contemporary jazz, presents “Nova” his first album. For this exceptional concert, he invited one of the most prominent pianists on the European scene: the Englishman Kit Downes to join his quartet.

For the past ten years, bassist Félix Zurstrassen (Sabam Jazz awards 2017) has established himself as a key figure on the Belgian jazz scene. Unstoppable musician in many projects (Antoine Pierre Urbex, Fabrizio Cassol, Stéphane Galland, LG Jazz Collective, Typh Barrow,…), he reveals himself for the first time as a leader at the helm of a high-flying trio. Bringing together in brilliant rhythm its long-time accomplice Antoine Pierre – and the incomparable Nelson Veras (Brazil) on acoustic guitar, the trio is amplified by an internationally renowned alto saxophonist, the Dutch Ben van Gelder and a the most prominent pianists on the European scene, the Englishman Kit Downes. The latter will release at only 35 years his third disc on the famous label ECM.

The album “Nova”, presented on the occasion of this event evening, offers melodious, innovative, demanding and ambitious music in many respects. All the compositions entirely signed by Félix draw their melodic inspiration from a Brad Mehldau or a Pat Metheny while the (poly) rhythmic universe is rather influenced by the conceptual music of Steve Coleman and Aka Moon. “Nova” is a subtle and contemporary universe offering the beautiful part to the acoustic sounds of the instruments.

LINE UP:
Félix ZURSTRASSEN: bass, compositions
Antoine PIERRE: drums
Nelson VERAS: guitar
Ben VAN GELDER: alto sax
Kit DOWNES: piano

Source : Chiroux Website