One of the surprise successes of last year was radio.string.quartet.vienna’s album “Celebrating The Mahavishnu Orchestra” in which the quartet boldly re-imagined the compositions of John McLaughlin.

Now the exciting Austrian string quartet led by violinist Bernie Mallinger return with another colourful collection of material and with an added instrumental voice in the form of accordionist Klaus Paier who also doubles on bandoneon. Remaining from the previous CD are Mallinger and Johannes Dickbauer on violins together with Cynthia Liao (viola) and Asja Valcic (cello).

The musicians are quick to point out that the arrangements are for a quintet-not “accordion plus quartet”- thus emphasising the democratic nature of the group and the interaction between the musicians.

If the album can be said to have a theme then it is Austria itself. Paier hails from the country and contributes six compositions to the ten track programme. The quintet also pay tribute to the recently departed Joe Zawinul, surely Austria’s most famous jazz emigre ,with arrangements of three of his most memorable compositions. Finally there is a tribute to Austrian vibraphonist and composer Werner Pershner (d.2001) an early influence on the RSQV.

The RSQV play with a bite and verve rarely heard in a string quartet as the opening “FlyUp” penned by Paier proves. Valcic’s sturdy cello underpins their sound but even in the course of the relatively brief opener there are numerous variations in dynamics. Paier’s accordion soars above it all in a way that sounds perfectly natural and organic. He and the quartet sound tailor made for each other, proof that the “integrated quintet” claim is well founded.

The ambitious Paier composition “Musical Journey In Three Movements” explores an even wider dynamic range and takes the listener on a thrilling musical journey to a place where classical, folk and jazz music intersect.

Zawinul’s “In A Silent Way” is arranged in a decorous, almost classical way by Dickbauer that retains the beauty and serenity of the original. It is followed by Paier’s “Tarantella”, a dark hued folk dance with a faint air of menace.

The next Zawinul composition is “Cannonball”, itself a tribute to alto saxophonist Adderley. It is arranged here by Mallinger who brings out the beauty of Zawinul’s melody in between passages of more passionate, spirited playing.

Paier’s compositions are influenced by the “nuevo tango” style of Astor Piazzolla as borne out in “Humoreske” and elements of the earlier “Musical Journey”. “Prelude & Circulo” merges these with the European classical tradition .The following “So The Story Runs..” shows that he can write effective slower tunes too. This is haunting and beautiful.

Werner Pirschner’s “Hosent’raga” sees the quintet upping the pace again in an arrangement by Bernie Mallinger. The string playing is particularly impassioned in this dazzling display of musical fireworks, the RSQV generating remarkable rhythmic impetus in places.

Finally comes Paier’s arrangement of the classic Zawinul ballad “A Remark You Made” from Weather Report’s 1976 album “Heavy Weather”, a record that was a huge commercial and critical success. The beautiful melody works surprisingly well in this context and the album ends on a suitably high note. It is almost a case of saving the best for last.

“Radiotree” is a worthy successor to the “Mahavishnu” album and if anything is more accessible, but without in any way compromising the group’s artistic integrity. The inclusion of an additional instrumental voice adds interest and the power of Zawinul’s compositions cannot be denied. The radio.string.quartet.vienna remain a unique force in contemporary music.

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