Theaktet - Old School

"love Theak-Tet too" John Scofield

Here's the Theak-Tet "Old School" 4 star review from the Australian:

"This third album from Sydney saxophonist David Theak's group has been a while coming, following its recording at Oslo's Rainbow Studios after the band's 2004 European tour. Formed in 1997, Theak-Tet has evolved through several changes of personnel, retaining leader Theak and guitarist James Muller, now supported by Brendan Clarke (double bass) and drummer Felix Bloxsom.

The quartet plays all-original pieces in a rhythmic post-bop style of often complex harmonic structures - ideal for soloists to open up on - but keeping its themes melodically comprehensible. There is superb four-way integration, smart use of drum fills, and some truly astounding scramjet velocity solos from Theak and Muller, especially on "Watch yo back".

Other tracks range from ballad tempos in the satisfying resolutions of "ki-ki" and the pensive beauty of "June", to the medium bat bop explorations on "3,4,5,6" and the albums signature guitar and sax interchanges in "Flea Bag". An astounding example of originality and high-level performance. John McBeath Dave Theak - Sax, James Muller - Guitar, Felix Bloxsom - Drums and Brendan Clarke - Bass. Record in Oslo at the famed Rainbow studios this is modern jazz at it's best.

The first new cd on the re-activated Birdland label. Buy one so we can recoup !

SMH June 17th 2006 Theak- tet Old School

Sydney saxophonist and composer David "Disco" Theak has launched his Tet on successful offensives throughout Europe, culminating in this recording, made with the renowned ECM engineer Jan Eric Kongshaug in Rainbow Studios, Oslo.

The ultra-clean ECM sound has served the Theak-tet well, Surprisingly, perhaps. There are times when the bursting -at-the-seems energy of live Tet performances leaps from the speakers. Some tracks are contrastingly restrained at first, promising a pleasing take on lazy sunday jazz. Even these develop sting and bite, particularly in the solos by Theak and guitarist James Muller.

Theak is a man full of humour and enthusiasm. His saxophone playing is a brillaint projection of that, while revealing sophisticated musical thought. With razor-sharp technique, he incises complex patterns bursting with energy, which lead to scorching cries. The often breathtaking Muller, who incorporates rock music influences, is his perfect partner, their sustained unison notes blending beautifully on slow tracks. J

ohn Clare