Double Life by Tomas Sauter: A Jazz Odyssey That Sticks With You
Man, Double Life is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it’s just smooth vibes and clever grooves—typical jazz stuff, right? But then, after a couple spins, something clicks. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Contemporary Jazz or Fusion record; it’s got teeth, soul, and a whole lot of personality. Released in 2014 by Swiss label Catwalk, this album feels like hanging out with old friends who are way cooler than you but still make you feel welcome.
The lineup here is killer: Tomas Sauter on bass (and composing duties), Ralph Alessi blowing trumpet like he’s channeling some higher power, Luzius Schuler tickling keys like they owe him money, and Dominik Burkhalter laying down drumwork so tight it could hold water. Together, they weave this intricate tapestry of sound that’s equal parts cerebral and emotional. Let me tell ya about two tracks that really stuck with me.
First off, there’s “Northern Star.” Oh man, this tune hits different. It starts slow, almost hesitant, like it’s tiptoeing into the room. Then Alessi’s trumpet comes in, clean and piercing, cutting through the haze like sunlight breaking through clouds. The interplay between Sauter’s basslines and Schuler’s keys creates this hypnotic pulse—it’s not flashy, but damn if it doesn’t get under your skin. By the time the track builds to its crescendo, you’re hooked. I found myself rewinding it more times than I care to admit, trying to figure out how they pulled it off. Spoiler alert: I still don’t know.
Then there’s “Wingsuit,” which feels like flying without a parachute—or maybe with one, depending on your mood. This track has an energy that’s hard to pin down. It’s playful yet serious, chaotic yet controlled. Burkhalter’s drums drive the whole thing forward like a runaway train, while Alessi’s trumpet spirals around like it can’t decide whether to soar or crash. There’s this moment near the middle where everything drops out except for Sauter’s bass, and suddenly you realize—you’ve been holding your breath. That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about here.
What makes Double Life special isn’t just the technical wizardry (though there’s plenty of that). It’s the way these guys play together like they’ve known each other forever. They leave space for each other, let ideas breathe, and take risks without overthinking it. It’s messy in all the best ways, like life itself.
So yeah, this album might not change your life overnight, but it’ll definitely stick with you. Like, weeks later, you’ll catch yourself humming “Northern Star” while brushing your teeth or tapping out the rhythm of “Wingsuit” on your steering wheel during traffic. And honestly? That’s what good music does—it becomes part of you.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: listening to Double Life made me want to learn how to play bass. Which is wild because I haven’t touched an instrument since my disastrous attempt at guitar camp as a kid. Maybe Tomas Sauter will inspire you too—or maybe he won’t. Either way, give this album a shot. You won’t regret it.
