RADAR: Alex Bayer's Bold Evolution in Composition and Collective Improvisation

On his latest album, RADAR, Alex Bayer continues the innovative compositional journey he began with ZODIAC (2019). Guided by boundless creative curiosity, Bayer deepens and refines his concept of growing music from small, cellular ideas, taking it to new heights.

While ZODIAC drew its melodic and harmonic language from formations of three tones (trichords), RADAR expands this approach significantly. Here, the tonal material originates from a central nucleolus, which not only generates melodic and harmonic ideas but also informs rhythmic patterns and overarching formal structures. These musical "seeds" branch organically into improvisations, resulting in pieces that are simultaneously raw in essence and richly developed into compelling narratives.

Each composition on RADAR becomes its own distinct entity, shedding traditional forms to explore unique musical characters. Like siblings, the pieces share a familial resemblance yet exhibit their own personalities—ranging from wild and energetic to tender, humorous, introspective, or even nerdy. This diversity mirrors the complexity of human experience, making each track a deeply individual yet universally resonant story.

Beyond its innovative compositional approach, the album's power lies in its collective improvisation. The interplay between the five musicians seamlessly integrates their individuality into the structural framework of the compositions. The result is a cohesive ensemble sound that balances intricate architectural precision with spontaneous, expressive freedom.

With RADAR, Bayer offers music that is at once grounded and ethereal—refined in its detail, yet expansive in its reach. It is music that pushes boundaries while maintaining a sense of effortless flow, inviting listeners into a world where composition and improvisation thrive in perfect harmony. To experience the full spectrum of this unique project, you can purchase your copy here.

Stefan Karl Schmid: saxophone, clarinet

Roland Neffe: vibraphone

Peter Fulda: piano

Jim Black: drums

Alex Bayer: bass/composition