Percussionist and composer Domen Cizej’s vision surpasses the limits of the ordinary. On his debut Introducing Domen Cizej, the Amsterdam-based artist introduces himself in full range. A box set of five albums, each with a different ensemble, message, and power, offers an opportunity to hear Cizej’s vision in depth and in totality. The box set opens with the thunder of an eight-member percussion ensemble that can be experienced as a “body in a repetitive coordinated motion, aiming at transcending its own consciousness. It is a ritual that invites one to take part in it,” as Cizej himself describes it. The next album, performed by an acoustic jazz piano trio, displays lyricism, beauty, and purity of musical expression. Through an intricate duo interplay with prepared piano and orchestral percussion, and a playful second piano trio, the music brings us to the last album of the box set. On the solo album, Cizej orients us toward the origins of his vision through a sequence of compositions written for voice and drums.

As Joe Morris puts it in the liner notes: “This grand recording erases competing issues of history, influence, and methodology in today’s improvised music culture by combining them seamlessly, thereby alleviating the listener of the burden of obsolete analysis. Instead, it offers new music that entices them to enjoy the surprise and pleasure of deciphering an exciting sonic puzzle.”

All Music by Domen Cizej

Domen Cizej Percussion Ensemble | Prelude
Recorded at Power Sound Studio in Amsterdam on October 3rd and 4th 2022 by Paul Pouwer | Mix and Master by Dave Darlington
Produced by Dré A. Hočevar | Executive prodution by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design & artwork by Travassos

Domen Cizej Koška Čias | Origin
Recorded at Power Sound Studio in Amsterdam on January 9rd and 10th 2023 by Paul Pouwer | Mix and Master by Dave Darlington
Produced by Dré A. Hočevar | Executive prodution by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design & artwork by Travassos

Domen Cizej Duo | Sound
Recorded at Power Sound Studio in Amsterdam on November 14rd and 15th 2022 by Paul Pouwer | Mix and Master by Dave Darlington
Produced by Dré A. Hočevar | Executive prodution by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design & artwork by Travassos

Domen Cizej Solo | Discovery
Recorded at Power Sound Studio in Amsterdam on September 12rd and 13th 2022 by Paul Pouwer | Mix and Master by Dave Darlington
Produced by Dré A. Hočevar | Executive prodution by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design & artwork by Travassos

Domen Cizej Trio | Poetry
Recorded at Power Sound Studio in Amsterdam on December 12rd and 13th 2022 by Paul Pouwer | Mix and Master by Dave Darlington
Produced by Dré A. Hočevar | Executive prodution by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design & artwork by Travassos