Muriel Grossmann

Muriel Grossmann returns with another essential statement in contemporary spiritual jazz! This is the real deal - music that connects directly to the lineage of Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders while carving out completely new territory. Recorded with her incredible long-standing quartet - Radomir Milojkovic on guitar, Abel Boquera on Hammond B3 organ, and Uros Stamenkovic on drums - Breakthrough finds Grossmann at the absolute peak of her powers, blending intensity and serenity in ways that few contemporary saxophonists can match.

Grossmann's approach has always been about deep listening and organic evolution, and this record proves it once again. The quartet plunges into intricate rhythmic dialogues that recall the explorative spirit of John Coltrane's classic quartet and the transcendental energies of Sun Ra, but this is no mere homage - Grossmann has developed her own unmistakable voice over years of constant touring and recording. Her saxophone lines shift from incantatory chants to exuberant declarations, searching and assured in equal measure, always maintaining that signature melodic clarity that makes her music so immediately engaging.

The rhythm section is absolutely locked in! Milojkovic's guitar work adds subtle psychedelic inflections and modal colors, Boquera's Hammond B3 provides that deep soul jazz foundation, and Stamenkovic's drumming drives everything forward with precision and fire. This is ensemble playing at its finest - four musicians who have played together so extensively that they breathe as one organism, creating groove-laden soundscapes that feel both intimately organic and spiritually expansive.

Each track unfurls patiently, building spaciousness before resolving into moments of urgent clarity. Grossmann leads with humility and precision, favoring lyricism over empty virtuosity, allowing the music's contemplative pulse to radiate naturally. This is music that rewards devotion and repeated listening - subtle harmonic shifts and rhythmic surprises reveal wealth after wealth of detail beneath the surface. Music imbued with purpose! A thoroughly modern commentary on jazz's ability to renew, transcend, and unite!

Highest recommendations for anyone interested in spiritual jazz that actually has something to say! Essential!