The Painter

The creation of music shares much in common with creation in the visual arts. Both musicians and visual artists speak of and deal in colors, hues and textures in their compositional processes. Saxophonist/composer Tobias Meinhart has developed near synesthetic visualizations as he performs and hears music. His new recording, The Painter (Sunnyside, 2021), presents his recent work of diverse, brilliant pieces meant to brighten the world’s canvas.

The ensemble that Meinhart assembled to record these new pieces consists of a number of the saxophonist’s favored collaborators, including pianist Eden Ladin, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire. Since his recent release and collaboration with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Berlin People (Sunnyside 2018), Meinhart has been drawn to the sound of guitar, thus the addition of his neighbor and friend, Charles Altura. The album also features Tobias’ longtime mentor, Canadian trumpeter Ingrid Jensen on two songs written especially for her unique sound. These musicians, in this and similar configurations, have been the saxophonist’s regular associates on stages like the 55 Bar and Birdland in New York City over the past two years.

Downbeat ★★★★: “Highly impressive, packed with wonderful music”
JazzTimes (Editor’s choice): “Remarkable clarity and creativity”
Jazzwise: “Powerful and virtuosic but heartfelt”
Neue Musikzeitung: “Visionary of the now. You have to love it.”

Personnel: Tobias Meinhart – tenor & sopranosax, altoflute, voice; Ingrid Jensen – trumpet; Charles Altura – guitar; Eden Ladin – piano; Matt Penman – bass; Obed Calvaire – drums

Tracklisting

1. White Bear
2. Oak Tree
3. Movement
4. The Painter [Intro]
5. The Painter
6. Bird Song
7. Estate
8. Neowise
9. The Last Dance
10. Dreamers