Blom, Schlarmann & Fasciani - WonderYears

Virtually all compositions from that period grew into worldwide hits and have been part of our collective memory ever since. His irresistible mix of grooves, catchy melodies, and subtle jazz influences is not just made to be played at parties or blasted from car radios; many of his pieces also prove to be an ideal breeding ground for jazz improvisation.

Fifty years after the release of “Songs in the Key of Life,” Jasper Blom, Sean Fasciani, and Felix Schlarmann bring these compositions back to life on their album “WonderYears,” in a pure jazz lineup of saxophone, double bass, and drums. With a unique, refined approach, they use the characteristic melodies and rich harmonies from Stevie Wonder’s repertoire as a starting point for their own contemporary arrangements.

The result is a fresh, hitherto unheard listening experience of these iconic songs. At times, they allow the original song to emerge clearly in all its beauty, giving the listener a glimpse of the original. Then, the musicians fan out into rhythmically and harmonically adventurous vistas, challenging both themselves and their audience to rediscover the familiar material — hidden between静止 moments of pure beauty and ecstatic bursts of improvisation.

Thus, “WonderYears” becomes a sparkling and contemporary tribute to one of the most creative songwriters of all time.

LINEUP * Jasper Blom – tenor saxophone * Sean Fasciani – double bass * Felix Schlarmann – drums