Daniel Schnyder & David Taylor: ART OF THE DUO

Daniel Schnyder - saxophones; David Taylor - bass trombone; Astrig Siranossian - violin; Chouchane Siranossian - cello

On their collaborative album ART OF THE DUO, the two versatile musicians Daniel Schnyder and David Taylor explore the possibilities of duet performance. In the 25 compositions and arrangements by Daniel Schnyder, the stupendously virtuosic duo demonstrates the expressive range achievable with just two instruments. The works reflect 21st-century music, seamlessly blending various genres. The album serves as inspiration for young chamber musicians and soloists seeking to rediscover the musical language of our century.

For this special album, Daniel Schnyder chose the world-renowned legend of bass trombone, David Taylor, as his musical partner. Taylor's mastery of 20th-century Western music is unparalleled, having played with artists ranging from Michael Jackson to Thad Jones, Gil Evans, Stokowski, and Boulez.

The extensive experience of both musicians, coupled with their openness to various musical styles, forms the basis for their exceptional interpretations. The listener is transported "in terram icognitam" without feeling alienated.

ART OF THE DUO also features two young, brilliant classical musicians, Astrig and Chouchane Siranossian, performing with Daniel Schnyder. They convincingly demonstrate that the duets presented are playable on almost any instrument. With ART OF THE DUO, Daniel Schnyder aimed to create a modern "playground" for all.

In this sense, ART OF THE DUO is a very open-minded album that showcases the diversity of musical dialogue.

For more information, visit www.danielschnyder.com and www.davetaylor.net

Press:

"The duo combination of saxophone and bass trombone may be quite rare, yet it sounds quite natural on this album." Jazzthetik 09/15 (Rolf Thomas)

"(...) a highly witty and lively album (...). The pieces, for which Schnyder is entirely responsible, range from the extensive 'Duo Concertante' to the 28-second miniature." Jazz'n'More 07/15 (George Modestin)

"(...) They don't want to cross boundaries but see them disappear. In two dozen Schnyder compositions and arrangements (...) they make written music sound improvised. Like a casual conversation." Fono Forum 08/15 (Berthold Klostermann)

"What may sound a bit intellectual reveals itself as consistently entertaining or easily digestible when listening to these 25 (mostly quite short) pieces. (...) This unconventional duo work is complemented by another interesting duo: the two Armenian guest musicians Astrig and Chouchane Siranossian on cello and violin are in no way inferior to the two gentlemen in terms of inventiveness. Another highlight of this album: the mixed pair saxophone/violin." sound & image 06/15 (Klaus Halama)