THREESTYLE (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) – Better Days / WeLoveMusic Records, 2022 / Dig / smooth soul jazz / Czech Republic, Germany
Magdalena Chovancova was born in Ostrava, Czech Republic. She began to play the piano at the age of 6. Later on she learned to play the saxophone and flute. Still in her teens, she won several national music competitions and began recording and touring together with other musicians and bands. After her studies in Prague, she moved to Germany where she founded the Threestyle band together with Robert Fertl (guitar, bass, trumpet) and her twin sister, Gabriela Konrad (Chovancova) (drums, vibraphone).
Robert Fertl was born in Bavaria, Germany. He began playing the guitar at the age of 6. Later on, he learned to play the trumpet. While studying in Munich, Robert made rapid progress, winning National Guitar Competition with his own compositions, as well as First Place in the National Jazz Competition in Berlin. Robert record his first vinyl LP with the age of 18 years, together with his longtime teacher and mentor, Richard Klimeck. After his studies in Germany, he moved to Los Angeles (1989) to study the jazz guitar at the Musicians Institute, Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA. During that period he played with several Los Angeles local bands and musicians.
Third member, Gabriela Konrad (Chovancova), studied drums and vibraphone, and she is in charge to play it for the Threestyle formation.
Discography – Magdalena Chovancova – Moving Up Quickly (2012) ; Threestyle (feat. Magdalena Chovancova) – Get It (2014) ; Threestyle (feat. Katja Rieckermann) – Funky Lights (maxi single, 2014) ; Threestyle (feat. Magdalena Chovancova) – Just for Fun (2014) ; Threestyle (feat. Magdalena Chovancova) – Thank God It’s Christmas (single, 2015) ; Threestyle – A Little Longer (single, 2016) ; Threestyle – Smooth N Chill (2016) ; Threestyle (feat. Rolanda) – Salta Brinca (single, 2016) ; Threestyle – Road to Monterey (single, 2017) ; Threestyle (feat. Magdalena Chovancova) – Smooth Ride (2017) ; Threestyle (feat. Magdalena Chovancova) – Reasons 2 Love (2018) ; Threestyle (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) – Better Days (WeLoveMusic Records, 2022)
Album recorded by these participants – Magdalena Chovancova (saxophones, flute) ; Robert Fertl (guitars, production, mixing and mastering) ; Lew Laing (keyboards) ; James L. Manning (bass) ; Gabriela Konrad (drums, percussion) ; Damon-Dae (vocals on 1,2,4,5,7,8,12,14) ; Tim Owens (vocals on 6,9) ; Latonya Black Gilliard (vocals on 11,13) ; DW3 (vocals on 10) ; Ashley Sankey (vocals on 3) ; Elvis Stanic and Robert Fertl (guitars on 14) ; Roberto Valley (bass on 13)
Although at home in Munich, Threestyle has meanwhile the status of an international formation. Formed by saxophonist Magdalena Chovancova (from Czech Republic) and guitarist Robert Fertl (from Germany) this musical diamond is worth listening to in any case. For the new project both could win the following musicians – James L. Manning (bass), Lew Laing (keyboards), Gabriela Konrad (drums, percussion), Damon Dae (vocals), Tim Owens (vocals), Latonya Black Gilliard (vocals), DW3 (vocals), Ashley Sankey (vocals), Elvis Stanic (guitar) and Robert Vally (bass). From the lineup, it’s easy to see that this album has its focus in the vocal realm.
The team has made a point of working out the pieces with the musicians involved. The album opens with “Living In This House” presenting singer Damon Dae. Dae is the featured vocalist on a total of six tracks, so it’s fair to think of him as the main performer on this album. His smoky tenor voice is distinct and puts the album’s emphasis on soul and R&B. As on “Just Us“, Threestyle sets the instrumental framework in an extremely professional manner while Dae supports his own voice in the chorus in an overdub process. Magdalena has the opportunity to shine with short solos on her sax.
Vocalist, Ashley Sankey, brings variety to the mix with “Hold On To Me“. She is known for the R&B album “Welcome to E~land” from 2018. “Hey Love” reminds me of Frankey Beverly’s Maze with whom Dae shares a pronounced radiance. Of course, the theme of relationships and love can’t be missing in this genre. “Call Me” tackles this subject with a great deal of emotionality. On “If I Could“, Tim Tio Owens takes on the role of a crooner, accompanied by soft soprano sax and strings, delivering his message of love.
The title song calls for change and thus connecting the hope for “Better Days“. Everyone attaches a different idea to these words, but the music connects them all. “Say a Prayer” expresses gratitude that conditions are as they are. Be it a good relationship, the health or the personal security of the partner. “Come to me” presents the different timbre of singer Tim “TiO” Owens. He also worked with guitarist U-Nam on the George Benson tribute album “Weekend In LA” and toured the world with the Al McKay Allstar‘s “Earth, Wind & Fire Experience” as lead vocalist.
“No One Else Would Ever Do” features the famous vocal trio DW3. The song sounds so professionally that I assumed it could be the cover of a megahit. This song was previously released on Threestyle‘s album “Perfect Combination” (2021). “Lovin On Next To Nothin” is interpreted by vocalist Latonya Black Gilliard. No stranger to friends of the group Threestyle. Already in 2017 we could admire her on the album “Smooth Ride” with the songs “Let’s Stay Together” (an Al Green cover) and Like Butta.
“Keep it Simple” is Damon Dae‘s final advice for the relationship. “Like Butta Baby“, here it comes, the second edition of Latonya‘s song, known by “Smooth Ride“. The album closes with “Time To Shine” showcasing Robert Fertl and Elvis Stanic, both on guitars spreading some George Benson feelings.
Threestyle offers soul, R&B and smooth jazz on the album “Better Days“. A reinterpretation of the band’s name. And what’s even better, you can hear all the singers not only on the album, but meet them in person on Threestyle‘s next tour. What more could you want?
THREESTYLE (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) – “Better Days” – 1. Living in this house ; 2. Just us ; 3. Hold on to me ; 4. Hey love ; 5. Call me ; 6. If I could ; 8. Say a prayer ; 9. Come to me ; 10. No one else would ever do ; 11. Loving on next to nothin ; 12. Keep it simple ; 13. Like butta baby ; 14. Time to shine
Photography by Martin Bucek
Related link – THREESTYLE feat. Magdalena Chovancova – Smooth Ride (Revewed by – Dragutin Matošević)
https://www.facebook.com/magdalena.chovancova.9 / https://www.facebook.com/ThreestyleJazz / http://www.threestylejazz.com/Home.html /
YT – THREESTYLE (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) – Better Days
YT – THREESTYLE (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) – Call Me
YT – THREESTYLE (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) – Time To Shine
