Music
has played a central role in the Bartylla family for many generations.
Cousins Thomas and Matthias Bartylla studied jazz and pop music,
international management and completed their Master of Business
Administration. With their band Foss Doll they perform more than 200 times in Germany every year. The most impressive highlight was probably the joint stage performance with the Canadian world star Celine Dion in front of an audience of millions at Germany's most important TV and media award - the BAMBI Awards.
In addition, they now also run their own record label and music publishing company. Thus, they turned their hobby into a professional career and released their debut album. It contains 10 self-composed tracks in a mixture of disco, house, pop, smooth jazz and lounge music. The duo is assisted by various guest musicians, including the well-known smooth jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree.
The opening track 'Born & Birth' immediately reminds me of Jonathan Fritzen's piano playing, but is joined here by a funky sax. It's a "feel good" song, followed by the fun ‘Twin Cousins’. Sir Jesse Lee Davis joins them vocally on the "mellow" and sensual sounding ‘Chillin' with You’.
Then we head to the dance floor for the upbeat and up-tempo ‘Keys and Saxy’, before heading across the street for a “road trip” from ‘New York to California’. “Crusin'” through the USA, to the tune of this fun track. Then it's time to relax in the 'Business Lounge' and then relax in the 'Hotel Lobby'.
Smooth jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree assists them on the quiet 'Night Flight' and 'Award' refers to their joint performance with Celine Dion. The up-tempo track 'Motorway' closes with a guest appearance by bassist Günter Asbeck.
A very nice CD, with various styles, all situated in that relaxing mix of lounge, smooth jazz and pop. A great introduction to this German band!
Tracks:
Twin Cousins
Chillin’ with You
Keys and Saxy
New York to California
Business Lounge
Hotel Lobby
Night Flight
Award
Motorway
Foss Doll