Record Reviews

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

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