David Helbock - Austrian Syndicate (2023) [Hi-Res]

Austrian Syndicate…the phrase immediately brings to mind the best-known and most influential of all Austrians in jazz, Joe Zawinul. And yet David Helbock’s project is much more than just a homage to his compatriot. It is a return to the roots of fusion jazz and how things developed from then on. It is also a new direction stylistically for Helbock, who has harnessed a panoply of inspiration with a refreshing openness to new sounds from far and wide. As Helbock himself puts it: "This is close to my heart." This Austrian supergroup is also a place where Helbock’s stellar international guests shine brightly: Maria João, Fred Wesley, Dhafer Youssef, Alex Acuña and Lakecia Benjamin.

David Helbock / rhodes, synthesizers & effects
Peter Madsen / piano
Raphael Preuschl / bass & bass ukulele
Herbert Pirker / drums
Claudio Spieler / percussion

Guests:
Alex Acuña / percussion
Lakecia Benjamin / saxophone
Maria João / voice
Fred Wesley / trombone
Dhafer Youssef / voice