Catalog

Personnel

John Arman – guitar
Christian Salfellner – drums
Renato Chicco – organ
Johannes Enders – tenor saxophone
Flip Phillipps – vibraphone

Track List

1. Tiny Leaps
2. Bright Shiny Beats
3. Double Moon
4. So That
5. Fingerstylin’
6. The Lamp Is Low
7. Tenderly
8. The Swag Bag

Liner Notes by Joel Frahm

When Lukas Gabric asked me to write a bit about this excellent new recording, I knew it would be a pleasure to sit and listen to his playing before I had heard a note, I’ve known Lukas for more than a handful of years at this point and have had the pleasure of observing his growth from a young saxophonist of great potential to a fully developed mature artist. That maturity is possibly what strikes me the most about his playing on this recording. I hear the beautiful richness of his tone, the seamlessness of his phrasing, the consistency and mastery of time and swing. He shows admirable restraint and tenderness on the lovely string arrangements of ballads such as “Nancy” and “I’m Glad There Is You”, and then some jaw-dropping tenor virtuosity on “Monochrome” and “Momentum”. This is a saxophonist in full control of what he wants to project with the chops and confidence to do it. He shows the wisdom to really vary the mood of the program of the record which keeps me intrigued as a listener and highlights the dynamics of his playing in a dramatic way; a strategy I truly appreciate. Lastly, and most importantly, I hear him playing with real heart and gusto, which is what I always want to experience the most when listening to a great jazz player. I am proud of the musician that Lukas has become, and I know this recording will be a wonderful reaffirmation of his artistry to those who already know his playing, and an exciting introduction for new fans as well. Enjoy the lovely music. 

Tenor Saxophone – Lukas Gabric
Piano – Mátyás Gayer
Drums – Manuel Weyand
Bass – Mátyás Hofecker
Cello – Charlotte Lang
Viola – Jurij Gracej
Violin – Alma Gunzek, Ana Marija Jurečič

Pianist Xijuan Zong is a concert pianist based in the United States. Her repertoire spans both traditional and contemporary works, reflecting a broad engagement with the piano literature.

Her playing is shaped by an attention to sound, color, and expressive detail, with an approach that seeks balance between structure and imagination. She is drawn to repertoire that offers distinct musical perspectives, creating performances that are both thoughtful and immersive.

Zong has presented solo recitals in cities including Boston and New York, where her performances have connected with audiences through a nuanced and expressive musical voice.

Presence in Sound, Resonant Voices brings together a selection of piano works by living women composers, centered on music that remains less frequently performed and recorded. The program features compositions by Gabriela Lena Frank, Kathryn Salfelder, and Courtney Bryan, each offering a distinct and individual approach to sound, form, and expression.

Rather than presenting familiar repertoire, the project reflects a deliberate choice to engage with works that expand the listening landscape. These pieces explore the piano through varied textures and gestures, moving between lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and subtle shifts in color.

Through this recording, Xijuan Zong approaches each work with sensitivity to its unique character, shaping a program that highlights both the individuality of these voices and the broader resonance of contemporary piano music today.

Track List

1. Moving On
2. Got to Be
3. Sai Ma
4. 9:29
5. Life on Hold
6. Love Walked In
7. Dedication
8. Riff for Griff
9. My One and Only Love

Personnel
Lukas Gabric – tenor saxophone
John Arman – guitar
Matyas Bartha – piano
Danny Ziemann – bass
Klemens Marktl – drums
Dušan Novakov – recording engineer

This album features seven original compositions by saxophonist Lukas Gabric

Lukas Gabric – Tenor Saxophone
Danny Grissett – Piano
Peter Primus Frosch – Bass
Danny Ziemann – Drums
Recording, Mixing, Mastering – Danny Ziemann
Recorded at Hideout Studios in Vienna

Lukas Gabric – tenor saxophone
Rob Bargad – piano
Philipp Zarfl – bass
Peter Primus Frosch – drums

Liner Notes by Walt Weiskopf

Since I was lucky enough to teach Lukas Gabric over ten years
ago during his time at the New School in New York City he has accomplished many
things in music. He has written excellent books on jazz improvisation, he is a
distinguished musicologist, academic, and best of all (from my admittedly
narrow point of view): a great player and composer. Lockdown, Lukas’
second album as a leader is all about the exploration of the medium of the jazz
quartet led by the quintessential saxophone/leader in the tradition of other
jazz greats who have traveled this path.

The musicians Lukas has assembled for this project are
beautifully well-matched. Rob Bargad (piano) is well-known as a leader in his
own right. He functions here perfectly as the consummate pianist with no other
agenda than to compliment and contribute his great piano playing to Lukas’
music. The completion of the quartet with fellow Austrians Philipp Zarfl (bass)
and Peter Primus Frosch (drums) reflects a preference for sidemen who can
immediately bring all their talents to the table. They are both virtuosic,
earthy, and above all: swinging.

“Double Standard” is a perfect lead-off, showcasing the band’s
essential love of this music in the shape of an original tune reflecting the
tradition that has drawn so many jazz fans to the fold. It’s egoless and draws
you right in.

“At the Mercy” is a reference to the endless frustrations of the
visa process from the standpoint of those who love life in the U.S. but are not
citizens. As a native of Austria, Lukas has this perspective having studied in
New York. Like many college graduates, it felt natural to stay where he had
lived, worked, and made friends but for someone dependent on a visa to stay in
the U.S., the prospect of having to leave is always looming. The loping 12/8
feel of this tune is evocative of the constant uncertainty felt by those of our
piers living here who feel their fate is in the hands of bureaucracy.

“Road Trip Melody” is an up-tempo ride showcasing in the
introduction and interlude a relatively uncommon linear device in jazz, the
augmented scale. Without getting too technical – let’s just say it’s tricky;
but the trickiest part of this display is how natural these musicians make it
sound. A lay person will likely hear this tune as inspiration to “put the pedal
to the metal,” which is the best thing about it.

After the twisting and turning head in “Blue Zone” the band
settles quickly into a swinging 12-bar blues; the foundational form of jazz
that always endures. The way in which this band plays the blues shows a
fundamental familiarity and ease with this most basic jazz form.

Following “Blue Zone” is another mainstay of the jazz tradition.
“Mahalo” is a lovely original ballad inspired by the beauty of Hawaii where
Lukas spent his honeymoon. Here is a chance to enjoy and admire the honest
intensity of the sound Lukas gets on the tenor saxophone.

One hardly needs mention the influence of the great John
Coltrane on Lukas Gabric, on this project and virtually all jazz musicians
influenced by this great icon in our music. “Lockdown” is a “tip-of-the-hat” to
Coltrane’s composition “Countdown,” which has inspired so many jazz musicians.
On hearing “Lockdown” for the first time I had the same reaction as when I
heard “Countdown” – better pick up that horn and practice!

My only clue about the driving and earnest standard-like “What
You Are” was the title – an apparent reference to Jerome Kern’s “All the Things
You Are.” I guess I’m not the only jazz musician obsessed by this enduring
standard. Lukas has a theoretical basis to explain the structure of this tune
but it’s not strictly a “contrafact” (in jazz — a “contrafact” refers to an
original melody based on a pre-existing chord progression). A good way to
compliment this tune is to observe that it’s an original composition that
sounds like a great standard. A perfect conclusion to a great album.

As a student, Lukas was low maintenance; always prepared, Lukas
presented with confident humility such that I was never surprised in the years
that followed with his consistent success. This level of artistry does not come
easy – it’s the product of raw talent combined with persistence, hard work, and
the evident and apparent love for an artform. Lukas has mastered the tenor
saxophone; seemingly flawless technique, a great big warm sound, and great
notes streaming out of the horn. All of Lukas’ compositions on this album make
for excellent listening. Beautifully crafted and satisfying to the ear;
“Lockdown” is a terrific collection.

– Walt Weiskopf, September 2021