Synesthetic4

Friday, May 22, at 21:00
main stage

Vincent Pongrácz (clarinet, voice), Peter Rom (el. guitar), Robin Gadermaier (el. bass), Andreas Lettner (drums)

Photo: Astrid Knie

The Austrian “progressive urban jazz” quartet was founded in 2017 by clarinetist Vincent Pongrácz and guitarist Peter Rom as a smaller offshoot of their larger ensemble, the Synesthetic Octet. Compared to the octet, the quartet places greater emphasis on precision, reduction, and dynamic improvisation. Their sound is influenced, among other things, by the renowned French composer Olivier Messiaen, who was a synesthete (he experienced music in colors). However, modern classical music is just one element of the quartet’s eclectic style, which also incorporates nu-jazz, experimental hip-hop and contemporary electronic music. The quartet’s expression also includes humorous and bizarre elements, which they describe as “Dada-rap”. As noted by renowned Swiss jazz critic and lecturer Tom Gsteiger, their music moves “confidently from frenzy to humorous wit.” With their debut album Pickendem (JazzWerkstatt Records, 2019), the quartet received the German Record Critics’ Award. In 2024, they were further recognized as the first recipients of the Austrian Jazz Award for best live act. Having performed at numerous renowned jazz festivals, including in London, Berlin, Trondheim and Saalfelden, the quartet now comes to Cerkno with their latest album Bread.

The concert is supported by the Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana.