Das Duokonzert des in New York lebenden Tiroler Trompeters Franz Hackl und des aus Argentinien in den "Big Apple" emigrierten Pianisten Leo Genovese bedeutete einen der Höhepunkte der INNtöne 2020. Auf der Open-air-Bühne neben Paul Zauners Buchmannhof, umgeben von den sanft gewellten Wiesen und Wäldern des Innviertels, intonierten Hackl und Genovese eine Hommage an ihre Wahlheimat: "Ode to Harlem" beeindruckte durch seelenvolle Zwiegespräche auf Basis unterschiedlichster Vorlagen, die von Kompositionen des Barockmeisters Gottfried Reiche über kantabel ausgesungene Bearbeitungen von Tiroler Volksliedern und die Lew-Soloff-Nummer "Ankara" bis hin zu einer Version von Jimi Hendrix' "Little Wing" reichten. Wobei sich die Musiker auch vom am Ende einsetzenden heftigen Regen nicht aus dem Takt bringen ließen. (Marlene Schnedl, Ö1)

Leo and Franz create unique musical statements on any material, ultimately making any song their own. It doesn’t matter if it’s their original compositions, baroque music, jazz standards, folk tunes, or rock. Their personal musical signature is always present and propels their artistic exchanges. No matter how complex or simple the material is, whether it’s catchy hooks, complex forms & harmonies, jams, their intimate dialogues always keep it inspiring. As soon as you think you know what is coming, you will be surprised again. Dreamy, lush melodies, percussive sounds of the piano and trumpet, and virtuoso playing are equally important. They quote Jimi Hendrix, Miles, Austrian Folk tunes, and Baroque masters. These become building blocks of their very own musical voice. An essential part of the sound is that Franz builds his own horns together with his father. Growing up with the horns, the use of trumpet, flügelhorn, and piccolo trumpet, which is rarely heard in a jazz context, and the fantastic touch Leo has on the piano gives you various sonic textures and colors way beyond what you would expect from an acoustic duo. (ACFNY)