Latest releases reviewed
TRYGVE SEIM The Source ECM ****
Saxophonist and composer Seim yields most of the writing here to trombonist Øyvind Brække, and the quartet, completed by Mats Eilertsen (bass) and Per Oddvar Johansen, has a more overtly jazz feel than Seim's recent work. The results, compounded of many influences - Vesala, Ornette Coleman, Garbarek, Jarrett - remain marvellously creative and individual, ranging from the gentle Mmball and the almost folk-like melancholy of Østerled (a lesson in magisterially controlled rubato playing), to the boisterous Life So Far and the unity of inspiration and mood on Tribute, with gripping solos by Brække and Seim. There's a consistent feeling of rightness about this quartet's performances, a feeling that if they approached the same piece differently it would sound just as right. www.musicconnection.org.uk
Ray Comiskey
BOB MINTZER Old School: New Lessons MCG ****
Saxophonist, composer and orchestrator Mintzer's experience embraces Buddy Rich and Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, and in this beautifully played and recorded live performance it's evident he uses it in a particularly inventive and well-crafted manner. His charts are packed with incident, yet uncluttered, the voicings impressively varied, sections both blended and separated, and contrapuntal lines handled with a skill that recalls the (somewhat different) manner of Bill Holman; there's also an undeniable sense of direction and purpose about each piece. Excellent soloists include Scott Wendholt and Terrell Stafford (trumpets), Phil Markowitz (piano), and Mintzer, Bob Malach and Scott Robinson (saxophones). And there's the bonus of singer Kurt Elling on two tracks. www.musicconnection.org.uk
Ray Comiskey
ELAINE DELMAR Ev'rything I Love Joy ****
They say that fashion is temporary, class permanent. Delmar has never had a profile to match younger singers such as Diana Krall or Jane Monheit, but her work on this tribute to Cole Porter puts them into highly unflattering perspective. She's ideal for the depth and sophistication of Porter's lyrics; she can handle Love For Sale with a brazen, sexy swagger, do joyful justice to the wit of Let's Do It and the rueful resignation of It's Alright With Me and Just One Of Those Things, and show what a grown-up song I Concentrate on You is. Just as important to the impact of this fine singer are the musicians: Brian Dee (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass) and Allan Ganley (drums) make a virtually perfect rhythm section for this kind of music, while Jim Mullen adds some meatily swinging guitar on several tracks. www.elainedelmar.com
Ray Comiskey
