The Austrian ensemble Studio Dan, known for their fearless forays into contemporary and improvisational music, delivers a profound homage to Anthony Braxton’s legacy, blending reverence with playful invention.

At the heart of this release is Braxton’s "Composition No. 107", an intricate work that serves as both the album's foundation and its launchpad. With its fragmented phrases and wide tonal palette, "Composition No. 107" is like a musical kaleidoscope that shifts subtly with each rotation. Studio Dan’s interpretation respects its complex architecture while injecting it with their distinct chamber music sensibilities.
The ensemble’s core trio - Clemens Salesny (winds), Daniel Riegler (trombone), and Michael Tiefenbacher (piano) - establishes a dynamic interplay, as if they’re finishing each other’s sentences in an avant-jazz conversation. The expansion to a quintet adds new textures, with Raphael Meinhart’s vibraphone and Manu Mayr’s double bass conjuring sonic depth and rhythmic surprises.

Studio Dan doesn’t just stop at Braxton. Daniel Riegler’s "Körperstudien" pieces are muscular and sinuous, as if Braxton’s abstractions were filtered through a postmodern dance rehearsal. Michael Tiefenbacher’s contributions, such as the intriguingly titled "Mr. Sierpinski", explore geometric precision, building intricate patterns reminiscent of fractal art.

The album unfolds like an art gallery visit: some moments invite quiet contemplation, others command your full attention with their explosive energy. Take the spirited reimagining of Braxton’s "Composition No. 23C", which closes the album like a firework finale - chaotic yet meticulously crafted.

Studio Dan is no stranger to bold collaborations and cross-genre explorations. Their ability to balance Braxton’s “comprovisation” ethos - merging structured composition with free improvisation - is a testament to their versatility and deep understanding of contemporary music. "Braxton et al." is more than a tribute; it’s a dialogue across generations, where Braxton’s groundbreaking innovations converse with the ensemble’s fresh perspectives.

Humor and intellect shine through, too. The track titles alone - "Haselnuss, Baby!" - wink knowingly, hinting at the ensemble’s playful spirit. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a profound respect for the musical giants they’re engaging with.

In the liner notes, Braxton’s student Samu Gryllus writes 107 phrases about this album - a nod to the composer’s numerical obsessions and a delightful touch of meta-textual playfulness. It’s details like this that make "Braxton et al." not just an album but an experience, brimming with wit and reverence in equal measure.