For those not in the know, Chris Torkewitz’ improvisation is a ‘thematic marvel that weaves a harmonically rich tale’ and his flute soloing, according to Jazz Times writer Scott Albin is a ‘masterful combination of sparkling technique and swinging eloquence.’

Firmly rooted in the traditions of Western music and home-based in modern jazz, Torkewitz took up studies in Cuba at the age of 18. Re-settling to NYC in 2007 and being a part of the scene enabled him to merge his prior influences and to find his voice.

He draws inspirations from the contemporary NYC jazz scene, Afro-Cuban rhythm culture, and European music traditions. In 2013, Torkewitz established his NYC-based jazz orchestra and the chamber project “Vista”, showcasing his large ensemble compositions.

He shared the stage and recorded with many renowned world-class artists and holds Doctor of Musical Arts and Masters degrees from Manhattan School of Music NYC in performance and composition.

Set for May 1st, 2022, Chris Torkewitz’s historic concert with his Jazz Chamber Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra from 2013 NY Ensembles is finally being released.

Jazz Chamber Orchestra:
1. Vista (Chamber Suite I)
2. Farbtoene (Chamber Suite II)
3. Noticias (Chamber Suite III)
4. Epilogo (Chamber Suite IV)

On this album, where his adventurous writing, which includes a range of colorful tonal bed for the ensembles, and which inspires inventive solos throughout, Torkewitz opens on his work with the Jazz Chamber Orchestra first, bringing us the perky, princely quirkiness of Vista (Chamber Suite I) and then backs that up neatly with the yearning gossamer of Farbtoene (Chamber Suite II), which is itself followed by the skittishly-cultured Noticias (Chamber Suite III), closing on the thirty second Epilogo (Chamber Suite IV).

Jazz Orchestra:
5. Filou
6. Steingarden
7. T.S. (Tentet)
8. One for You

9. Seiltanz (Chamber Orchestra)
10. Ausblick (String Quartet)

Torkewitz with the Jazz Orchestra then continue onward for the second half of this simply stunning recording, opening with the ornate, fourteen minute Filou and the gentle, yet always building rhythms of the fifteen minute Steingarden, before rounding these works out on the flirtatious smile of the twelve minute T.S. (Tentet), closing on the rousing One for You.

Bringing the entire recording to a wrap on the cultured Seiltanz (Chamber Orchestra) and the short, but sweetly stern Ausblick (String Quartet), everything about this new release is rewardingly timeless, quite modern in texture, and yet easily accessible.

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