The Claudia Quintet utilize unusual rhythmic patterns, creative repetitions, and such instruments as accordion, vibes, and clarinet to create a dramatic set of music. As much a soundtrack for a nonexistent movie as it is a jazz set, the music on Semi-Formal is quite cinematic, moody, and thoroughly intriguing. Although some of the individual pieces could stand alone, this is very much a 13-song suite, with one selection leading logically if unpredictably to another. In a similar way, the individual musicians, although impressive by themselves, are most important being part of the group sound, adding to the wide variety of tonal colors. Semi-Formal, which will take time to fully appreciate, is well worthy of several listens. ~ Scott Yanow
Professional Reviews
The Wire (p.75) - "It's music that, in keeping with Cuneiform's devotion to jazz rock and other uncategorisable forms, breaks down boundaries. Lot of clever stuff and a leaven of humour..."
Down Beat (p.80) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "The quintet's instrumental palette has never before been this expansive, with all of the players doubling and tripling on different instruments, and the scattered solos emerge in a satisfyingly organic fashion..."
JazzTimes (p.85) - "Hollenbeck's gift for imaginative, finely woven orchestration couldn't be clearer, whether he's working with five pieces or 16."
