"With this, their 2nd album this Hamburger group has, quite simply, produced a masterpiece. (2nd album with ACT/ Note by ElbtonalPercussion, actually 4th album) Already with "Drumtronic", their first album they presented a fantastic symbiosis of classical, electronic loops and jazzy intensity. With "Four Elements the ensemble invites us to partake in a musical experience of four elementary (drumming) cultures from Africa, Asia, America and Europe. The electronic part (loops, etc) is somewhat toned down throughout, is still however in some of the pieces an integral part of the Elbtonal sound, which this time around is sometimes enriched by African talking drums, Japanese Taiko drums and hand xylophones. Guest artists working with them include organist Claus Bantzer, the vibraphone player Christopher Dell, the Hamburger String Ensemble "G-Strings", horn player Monika Lahajnar as well as singer Helga Pappert. The scene is set, musically diversified, exciting and an excellent sound, "Four Elements" is absolute hearing pleasure."
(Sticks 10/2005)
"...highest instrumental mastery, clever combination of the acoustic with looped and electronic altered sounds and - perhaps the most essential - sometimes slightly ironic lightness in interpretation."
(Concerto 10/2005)
"They show on Four Elements, their current CD, how thrilling music for percussion can be; they don't shy away from either electronic groove music or using instruments from all corners of the earth."
(Der Spiegel 45/2005)
"Proof that German jazz is alive and well: xylophones, violins and base ensure cool groove music."
(WELT am SONNTAG 10/2005)
"An album that opens up new facets every time one listens to it and rises to greatness. Wonderful."
(Good Times 10/2005)
"All of it speaks for a well thought through production concept, and the result is a coherent, highly intelligent and varied programme that touches the heart and soul, and in the process, doesn't even leave out the gut."
(Rondo 9/2005)
"Once again this group succeeds at an artful interleaving of word beats, jazz, electronic and minimal music, with an undercoating of rock elements and classical reminiscence. In short: a successful crossover production that masterfully evades classification in any way."
(Fritz Magazine 8/2005)
"A brilliant record that is a joy to listen to."
(Drummer Magazine 10/2005)
"I like the glassy sounds of vibes and the leather hide of traditional drums."
(Jazzwise 10/2005)
(Sticks 10/2005)
"...highest instrumental mastery, clever combination of the acoustic with looped and electronic altered sounds and - perhaps the most essential - sometimes slightly ironic lightness in interpretation."
(Concerto 10/2005)
"They show on Four Elements, their current CD, how thrilling music for percussion can be; they don't shy away from either electronic groove music or using instruments from all corners of the earth."
(Der Spiegel 45/2005)
"Proof that German jazz is alive and well: xylophones, violins and base ensure cool groove music."
(WELT am SONNTAG 10/2005)
"An album that opens up new facets every time one listens to it and rises to greatness. Wonderful."
(Good Times 10/2005)
"All of it speaks for a well thought through production concept, and the result is a coherent, highly intelligent and varied programme that touches the heart and soul, and in the process, doesn't even leave out the gut."
(Rondo 9/2005)
"Once again this group succeeds at an artful interleaving of word beats, jazz, electronic and minimal music, with an undercoating of rock elements and classical reminiscence. In short: a successful crossover production that masterfully evades classification in any way."
(Fritz Magazine 8/2005)
"A brilliant record that is a joy to listen to."
(Drummer Magazine 10/2005)
"I like the glassy sounds of vibes and the leather hide of traditional drums."
(Jazzwise 10/2005)