Jazz – a music that has been a source of cultural and spiritual connections of a people trapped in a cruel web of uncertainty; a sound that has undergone multiple transformations over decades whilst simultaneously taking the world by storm. This was the form of expression for a charismatic trumpeter from New Orleans to a North Carolina-born saxophonist who used it to communicate to the heavens above, proving the ultimate supremacy was that of love. Yet in 2018 with the general public’s ears being more attuned to synth-driven pop songs or bass-quaking trap music, where jazz stands in the mainstream psyche is indeed that of question. However the counter question is, does it really matter? When the music is produced with passion, heart and respect it will find its way to touch the emotions of people. This is where Swiss jazz band KAOS Protokoll proudly comes into play. Having experimented with post jazz sonics with their 2012 LP quick & dirty and 2015’s follow-up album Questclamationmarks, KAOS Protokoll delve into more spirited and otherworldly realms of the genre with their latest EP New Chapter.
Revisiting the more rooted soil of jazz, the EP is a sailing between the spiritual and the mystic, stepping back into traditionalism to begin a new step forward. It seems appropriate for the band to start the record with ‘New Chapter’, a ghostly composition that sounds like a calling to the ancestors. Perhaps this is mere resurrection. Cinematic in sound, this is the first opening portal to dreamlike dimensions. ‘She Sees’ feels like the handing of a code to third eye visions, as each musician performs light musical acrobatics in a separate yet cohesive manner, enough to create the possibilities of deciphering something deeper. Again, operating in core jazz structuring with enough space for every instruments to breathe. One of the highlights of the record is the piece ‘SunRaColtraneSolar’, which features a spoken word performance by Mr.Are Dot. A cosmic delivery of jazz modernism, the past and present come together effortlessly whilst wording of the powerful expressionism of John Coltrane and Sun Ra create a blissful understanding. ‘Croos’ ends the EP, which finds KAOS Protokoll presenting a meditative calming, as beautiful saxophone play woos the listener to a peaceful closure.
New Chapter is that discovered treasure in a seemingly vast ocean of modern day musical clutter. This is a record not meant to compete with the mainstream but rather enlighten one to something much higher when it comes to depth, substance and texture. KAOS Protokoll are indeed true jazz heroes of our time.
New Chapter is out April 27th on Prolog Records.