Pianist Rolf Zielke’s engaging release “Beaches In Your Soul” is a tasty stew of contemporary Jazz with a tinge of Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences as well. Zielke and his band come out the gate swinging on the elegant “Awakening”. Saxophonist Stephan Abel’s warm yet robust melodies are the perfect compliment to Zielke’s shimmering flourishes. Cellist Stephen Braun adds another layer of melodic brilliance on strings. Braun shines even brighter on “Night Sea Journey”, a blissful atmospheric composition. Mohannad Nasser’s strumming on the oud adds a touch of a Middle Eastern vibe woven together perfectly. Zielke’s elegant playing and arrangements will evoke images of Bill Evans but he’s clearly carving out an identity for himself here. “Okavango Serenade” is a lovely ballad enhanced by Trumpeter Beeny Brown’s sublime melodies. Zielke’s playing and songwriting are top notch. The musicians on board here rise to the occasion. He has demonstrated a great deal of creativity by weaving a multitude of cultures into a deeply satisfying set. No doubt more attention will be coming his way.
