Written by Franz von Chossy’s latest release, Mirror 9, set for release this coming Friday delivers an ambitious and thoughtful nine-part suite, offering the listener a multi-layered musical reflection on the diversity of human personality.
The album, inspired by the nine archetypes of the Enneagram, von Chossy’s compositions aim to capture the emotional and psychological contours of each type, weaving their growth, struggles and longings into a continuous musical journey that’s both deeply intellectual and emotionally resonant.
The album’s sonic quality is immediately compelling, distinguished by the clarity of its textures and a remarkable balance within the ensemble. One of the most striking features is the way the line-up—piano, saxophone, violin, guitar, cello, bass, and drums—feels completely integrated, never forced or ornamental. String players George Dumitriu (violin/guitar) and Saartje Van Camp (cello) don’t simply decorate the arrangements; instead, the strings take on rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic responsibilities that are essential to the group’s sound. Particularly notable is the exploration of the cello and violin’s rhythmic potency, elevating the ensemble’s interaction and supporting the suite’s narrative flow.
Throughout *Mirror 9*, von Chossy demonstrates a sophisticated approach to arranging that keeps the listener engaged with inventive voicings and at times surprising choices in instrumental color. The writing is consistently interesting—layered with detail, contrast, and moments of true lyricism. Drummer Jamie Peet and bassist Tijs Klaassen provide a supple, reactive foundation that never overwhelms but allows for dynamic shifts both within individual movements and across the whole suite. Meanwhile, the interplay between saxophonist Jose Soares and the string section yields timbral combinations rarely heard in jazz ensembles, moving fluidly between ensemble roles and solo statements.
The ensemble, representing five European nationalities and rooted in the Amsterdam jazz scene, brings open-minded musicianship to the project, approaching von Chossy’s suite with genre-defying sensibility and great sensitivity. The result is music that invites self-discovery—listeners are challenged to recognize not only the personalities reflected in each movement but also the shared humanity and empathy at the album’s conceptual core.
*Mirror 9* is that rare album which succeeds in both concept and execution. The arrangements never lapse into routine, the ensemble playing is nuanced and expressive, and von Chossy’s artistic vision resounds in every detail. Highly recommended for those who appreciate layered writing, superb sonic quality, and the rewarding complexity of a group truly working as one.
Line-Up:
Franz von Chossy, Piano | Jose Soares. Saxophone | George Dumitriu, Violin, Guitar | Saartje Van Camp, Cello | Tijs Klaassen, Bass | Jamie Peet, Drums
Track Listing:
1. Prologue | 2. The Individualist | 3. The Achiever | 4. The Observer | 5. The Loyalist | 6. The Giver | 7. The Boss | 8. The Idealist | 9. The Optimist | 10. The Peacemaker | 11. Epilogue
Release Date: 26 September, 2025
Format: CD | Streaming
Label: ZenneZ Records
Last modified: September 23, 2025
