Jazzflits

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“The music is original, pensive at times, then intense. Marnix’ performance is as cool as the white factory tiles on the walls, but his playing is as colorful as the stage lighting.”

On April 4, 2005, a deserted factory was converted into a concert venue, creating a perfect environment for filming the Buzz Bros in concert. About a hundred visitors enjoyed the intimacy, the wine, the candle-lit tables, the paintings… If you weren’t among them, you can now enjoy the concert on DVD. The Buzz Brothers is Marnix Busstra on guitars, his brother Berthil Busstra on keys, René van Dissel on double bass, and Chris Strik on drums.

On this DVD, the band plays some seventy minutes of their own distinctive, electric jazz fusion. The music is original, pensive at times, then intense. Marnix’ performance is as cool as the white factory tiles on the walls, but his playing is as colorful as the stage lighting. All compositions on this recording are his. He plays no less than four different types of guitar. His acoustic guitar can be heard on “The Same New Story”, a sensitive piece with a moving solo of Berthil on his sagging 1977 Fender Rhodes. His electric guitar sounds swift and joyful on “Buzz Battle”.

Chris Strik is the band’s clown, his facial expressions showing all his emotions. He plays his mini set extremely dynamically, using brushes only, with a brief solo on “Well Done”. This composition is reminiscent of the cheerful, in the pocket works of the Japanese group Cassiopeia. “Castle In The Air” (which is also the title of the Buzz Bros latest CD), lasting some eleven minutes, is based on a beautiful harmonic motif. It’s a diversified work that perfectly demonstrates who the Buzz Bros are. The cheering crowd shows their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Whenever a booklet lists the types and brands of microphones, cables, and speakers, you’re probably dealing with an audiophile production—and that’s exactly what “The Same New Story” is. Turtle Records produced an audiophile recording with tasteful images.

In the interview, Marnix Busstra says: “The music is based on established melodies, which we talk about musically. We’re no machos trying to show off. What we strive for is to make the music feel as if we’re breathing as a unit — sharing one breath… Creating a single cooperative flow where no-one stands out…”. Though the artists state that they don’t want to display their virtuosity, this album perfectly shows their musicality, and the subtle, knowing clances they exchange tell you how much fun they’re having. So it wasn’t really hard to watch the show no less than three times, this weekend. “The Same New Story” is a perfect gift. For yourself!