KIRCHMAIR,ACHIM TRIO - Sunkeeper (Sealed) (LP)

The fact that jazz of modern orientation does not necessarily always have to end in a difficult and complex sound, but that it can very well be more than just exciting in its more accessible form, is proven in a truly impressive way by Tyrolean guitarist Achim Kirchmair and his band on their new album "Sunkeeper" (O-Tone Music). Achim Kirchmair is known to be one of those kind of border-crossing guitarists whose style is difficult to classify into a single category. Looking at his work in various projects (e.g. Dee Dolen, frida), it becomes immediately clear that he is a musician who seems to feel at home in the most diverse genres, which is especially evident on his stylistically very multi-faceted 2018 album "Going to Ladakh". So the question is, in which key the musician, who comes from Tyrol and can count the Austrian jazz legend Harry Pepl among his teachers, is aiming for "Sunkeeper", whether he is continuing on the path of stylistic diversity or taking a different direction than before. Well, basically both things happen. Even more than on the previous album, Achim Kirchmair and his band bring the jazzy aspect of his music to the fore. Not to the extent that influences from other genres now play no role at all, but noticeably. Of course, in the nine tracks there are still elements of fusion, blues and rock, only in a more dosed form. So the album doesn't really have anything to do with a complete turn to the classical style of jazz.