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  | KASPER RIETKERK ~ THE HAPPY WORRIER
NOT ON LABEL 001 (Barcode: 781005840494) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025
This is the 2nd album by the Dutch (resident in UK) Jazz saxophonist / composer Kasper RietkerkFind albums by this artist, recorded with British Jazz players: guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom HerbertFind albums by this artist and drummer Jonah EvansFind albums by this artist. Swedish (resident in UK) vocalist Rebecka EdlundFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tracks. The album presents twelve tracks (three are bonuses, two of which are alternate takes), all of which are original compositions by Rietkerk.
The music is based on beautiful melodic compositions, full of lyrical depth and melancholic presence, played with minimalist, delicate approach, which results in an almost contemplative mood, which prevails for the entire duration. The saxophone parts, superbly accompanied harmonically by the guitar and rhythmically by the bass pulsations are the album’s main features. The drums are used sparingly and delicately, which emphasizes the intimacy of the atmosphere even more. Rietkerk and Parricelli share the soloing duties almost equally between them and their telepathic cooperation serves as a solid basis for the entire body of the music.
In some respects, the music if often only marginally Jazz per se, as it embraces many other elements like Blues, Tango and other World Music, as well as Classical Music influences. There is a Jazz undercurrent present at all times, but the music liberally indulges in other pleasures, to the delight of the listener. There is not a dull moment on this album, which makes listening to it a delightful experience.
Overall, this is one of the finest albums that landed on my desk lately, completely different from most other arrivals and almost shockingly beautiful. The quality of the compositions, combined with the sublime performances create a musical gem, that simply refuses to leave my player. Rietkerk is a very promising new arrival and I will keep an eye (or rather an ear) on his work from now on, and I recommend to my readers to do the same.
| | Updated: 21/09/2025Posted: 21/09/2025 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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