Record Reviews

ERIC VAN DER WESTEN / QUADRANT ~ IT IS WHAT IT IS EWM 75077 (Barcode: 608917507720) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 2000 This is a wonderful and little known album by Dutch bassist / composer Eric van der WestenFind albums by this artist and his ensemble QuadrantFind albums by this artist, which also includes Belgian saxophonist Erwin VannFind albums by this artist, Dutch pianist Jeroen van VlietFind albums by this artist and Belgian drummer Dre PallemaertsFind albums by this artist, and features the British Jazz vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, four by van der Westen, three by Vann and one by van Vliet, five of which feature lyrics by Winstone. The music is typical modern European Jazz, full of lyricism and delicate romanticism, beautiful melody lines and enough freedom to allow the musicians to express their individuality. There is a whole tapestry of compositional / harmonic tools and vistas throughout the album, which keeps the listener on his toes at all times. It certainly requires several listening sessions to penetrate the external layers and enjoy the intimacy this music offers. Winstone masterly and beautifully alternates between singing lyrics and delivering wordless vocalese parts, both being nothing short of phenomenal. Within the ensemble she is treated as another "instrument" and assumes equal responsibility for the result. Her sensitive and sublimely delicate duets with the bassist are a true honey on the ears. Winstone´s role as a lyricist is criminally underappreciated and a comprehensive look at her career clearly shows that her work as a lyricist deserves as much praise as her singing. The quartet plays splendidly, which is only to be expected from musicians of this class. The leader is a sensitive accompanist but is also is able to point the way in the more dynamic parts, the saxophonist delivers heartfelt and fiery solos and the rhythm section is right on both in the fragile quiet moments and in full blast crescendos. Overall this is a brilliant European Jazz album, which deserves to be heard by all true connoisseurs, in order to appreciate another hidden treasure of Winstone´s tremendous legacy, as much as a splendid quartet and excellent original music. Although the music was recorded over two decades ago, it lost absolutely nothing of its freshness and originality. Wholeheartedly recommended and worth seeking out as it is still available.

Updated: 17/06/2018Posted: 17/06/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ERWIN VANN ~ WORLDS J.A.S. (Barcode: 5425001210039) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1995 - 1998 Released: 1998 This is an album by Belgian Jazz saxophonist / composer Erwin VannFind albums by this artist recorded with a superb international team which includes British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Belgian keyboardist Michel HerrFind albums by this artist and drummer Dre PallemaertsFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Pete McCannFind albums by this artist and bassist Lindsey HornerFind albums by this artist, a couple of percussionists, a string quartet and a choir. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Vann, four of which feature lyrics written by Winstone. The music is beautifully melodic modern European Jazz, with obvious British Jazz tinge (well, Wheeler & Winstone) and World-Music influence, superbly arranged using the entire wealth of the instruments, string quartet and choir, but allowing the sublime vocal parts by Winstone to be clearly heard and undisturbed by the intense instrumental and vocal backing. Her vocals are, as always mesmerizing and deeply moving, which of course hardly surprising. The instrumental work is stunning and Wheeler gets extensive soloing parts, where his trumpet magic to be distinctly heard, and which turns this album into an absolute gem, sadly little known to his many followers. Vann also plays superbly and his melancholic / lyrical solo parts are all excellently fitted to the context. The rhythm section supports the soloists with grace and precision, without being obtrusive and the percussionists ornament the proceedings with an exotic feel, again subtly and delicately in order to allow the listener focus on the soli. The album offers over an hour of diverse and intense musical experience, which requires attentive listening but is not overbearing at any time and flows smoothly from one tune to another. Most of the compositions are slow and contemplative, with a reflective mood, which takes the listener on a dreamy musical journey of exploration. Overall this is wonder album, full of superb compositions and extraordinary performances, which is criminally little known to European Jazz connoisseurs and deserves to be re-discovered a quarter of a Century after it was created. For Wheeler and Winstone fans this is an absolute must have of course. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 07/08/2020Posted: 07/08/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend