Jon Birkholz Trio

The CD alternates original compositions with interludes by the performers interacting with Jon's computer based processing. The approach draws the listener in and makes the computer a fourth member of the ensemble in a dynamic way, expanding upon the ideas played by the musicians as it reacts to their improvisation.

Jon Birkholz is a recent graduate of Peabody Institute and now works in Baltimore as a freelance musician. He performs regularly in the area and is perhaps best known for his work in local hip-hop band Soul Cannon. Michael Formanek has just completed a reunion tour with saxaphone legend Tim Berne's Bloodcount ensemble and has been appearing locally with Baltimore based quartet 3081. Devin Gray is a regular on the New York scene, embracing many musical directions through his versatility on the drums.

Pianist Jon Birkholz, (a recent graduate of Peabody Institute,
Baltimore, Maryland) zooms right into an unexpected extended intro on the first track on this, his first, recording. The piano melts into melody, then improvisation. Jon plays lethargically in semi-Latin melancholy flow, relaxing the listener. I like his approach, because his thought pattern is very logical.
The strong, unexpected counterpunctual octave intervals played between bass and piano on the second track, shows off the young composer’s versatility.
A new sudden computed sound adds excitement on the third
track. I like the trio’s breathing and spacing. The ensemble moves through a tangled hip rhythm. This bind is not broken until the ensemble hits a walking tangled hip rhythm. This bind is not broken until the ensemble hits a walking
stride and swings out with tasteful punctuating from the drummer. Devin Gray stride and swings out with tasteful punctuating from the drummer. Devin Gray
exudes sensitivity and warmth throughout the piece.
Veteran bassist Michael Formanek lets his masterful arco style talk the laptop computer into a friendly relationship while the pianist sprinkles light color in the upper register. They swing softly on a contemporary Latin vamp. Birkholz talks serious with rhythm, then becomes playful, accelerating on scattered scales.
Flora Fauna is a strong statement from a new interesting, innovative contemporary jazz pianist.

Dave Burrell
composer/pianist
Philadelphia, July 31, 2007

"Perhaps Birkholz's "Flora Fauna" can be seen as an experimental pathbreaker. It is a shining torch, which lights the way for further musical journeys from Birkholz."
Trey Perkins, Transform Online