Sometimes, somewhere ... there couldn't be a more fitting motto for the latest production by the phenomenally versatile and creative guitarist Tomas Sauter. With numerous releases on his own label CATWALK, the bustling Biel-based super-musician has impressively demonstrated over many years that he can do it all: as a soloist, duo, trio, quartet, quintet, on classical, acoustic, jazz and electric guitar and even on electric bass, the always stylistically confident leader has released album after album of wonderful original compositions. It was only a matter of time before a recording with the most classic of all guitar bands, the Hammond Trio, would follow.

 

The intimate relationship between guitarists and the organ is easy to explain: Because a Hammond is actually an orchestra in itself, from which flat sounds as well as crisp bass lines can be elicited, the guitar for once does not have to worry about the harmonic stringency of the music and can focus entirely on improvisation. This opens up unimagined spaces for the clever soloist, which Sauter plays with impressive sovereignty and creativity.

 

As a composer, Sauter knows like no other how to combine the sophistication and complexity of contemporary jazz with the beauty and catchiness of an elegant pop song. He also has a pronounced love of melodiousness. Sauter is a sound freak and his guitars from the 1950s and 60s by Gibson and Fender sound so balanced and authentic that you think you can smell the wood of the instruments when listening to the music. The result of years of searching for the perfect sound, outstanding compositions and music-making at the highest level is music that is dynamic and profound, that touches you and goes straight to your soul.

 

The sound quality of the recording is once again stupendous and brings out the agile and interactive interplay of the band perfectly. Jorge Rossy, an old acquaintance who has already appeared on two of Sauter's older trio albums, is on drums. On “Sometimes Somewhere” he brings all the qualities for which he is known as a world-class drummer in the bands of Brad Mehldau, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Haden and many other greats of the jazz scene. The third member of the group is the experienced organist Roland Köppel, who has already demonstrated his skills in countless formations in this country.

 

The band radiates unbridled joy of playing and has an audible desire for lively interplay. The music sounds familiar, but is headstrong and independent. You can rely on Sauter. Once again, he has created a sound cosmos that is coherent in every respect and where he is completely at home. Many jazz musicians stagnate once they have found “their thing”. Sauter is completely different and always surprises the listener anew. It's fun to accompany this high-flyer in his field in his lifelong development.