Best known as a member of world music band Quadro Nuevo, Mulo Francel is a German saxophonist and composer with a unique approach to jazz. His tone, on a variety of saxophones plus clarinet, is sweet and gentle, his compositions lyrical and playful by turns, and the total effect utterly disarming. This double album features Francel with both his regular quartet and the Munich Radio Orchestra. Since his highly accomplished playing betrays no obvious jazz influences, it’s all a refreshing surprise. The same goes for David Gazarov, a phenomenal pianist whose style fits Francel’s music to perfection.
