Record Reviews

A TRAVELLER`S TALE ~ J.J. EWM 680596922827 (Barcode: 680596922827) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the second album by the Dutch duo A Traveller`s TaleFind albums by this artist, which consists of bassist / composer Eric van der WestenFind albums by this artist and guitarist Aron RaamsFind albums by this artist. For this album the duo was expanded to a trio with the addition of trumpeter Angelo VerploegenFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Kim HoorvegFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tracks. The album consists of eleven tracks, all composed by van der Westen, presenting a concept suite revolving around a collection of short stories, written by van der Westen (which are included in the album´s booklet), telling a sketchy story of travels across the vast North American continent by an imaginary character called J.J., somewhat similar to Jack KerouacFind albums by this artist´s tales. The music, although including improvisation, is only very marginally connected to Jazz and is a combination of cinematic vistas and Americana / Country motifs. The melodic contents is all very well weaved, full of interesting ideas and superbly executed by the trio, as well as excellently recorded. However the music falls between genre classification and as such might unfortunately be ignored by listeners, who focus on clearly defined musical trends. It seems as if this music is primarily oriented towards the American market, both musically and conceptually, but sadly it is way to complex and sophisticated for most American listeners. Overall this is definitely an album worth investigating for open-headed listeners, who are able to put pre-conceptions aside and simply listen to the music. There is plenty of great melodic offerings and excellent playing herein, which should be able to win over those who are willing to give it a chance.

Updated: 03/07/2018Posted: 03/07/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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