Dec 26 2017
Best of 2017 #16: Jeremy Danneman and Sophie Nzayisenga – “Honey Wine” (Ropeadope)
There is a supreme joyfulness to this collaboration between Jeremy Danneman and Sophie Nzayisenga. Danneman’s saxophone and Nzayisenga’s inanga (a ten-stringed instrument similar to a zither or kora) dance around in circles, their delightful motions as enchanting rhythmically as they are melodically. Honey Wine is upbeat and conversational, and all the same, this blend of jazz and folk has a calm demeanor that borders on soothing at times. And, thankfully, it shows a willingness to rear back and roar up to the skies when the moment calls for it. The bass and drums of William Parker and Tim Keiper snap right into place with this dynamic, and the result is a rich personality that crackles with life. This is an instance where doing something very different sounds as normal as a beating heart.
Music from NYC and Kigali, Rwanda.
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If we’re talking about Tales of Herbst, it’d be pretty silly to do anything other than start by talking about the Brot & Sterne rendition of the Miles Davis classic In a Silent Way. They capture the work’s sublime tranquility while also instilling it with the locomotion that propels the peacefulness ahead. That potent mix of serenity and animation is difficult to conjure up, but not only do the trio of Franz Hautzinger, Matthias Loibner and Peter Rosmanith rise to the challenge, but they do it with the instrumentation of trumpet, hurdy-gurdy and hang drum (plus a tasteful serving of electronics). Melodies soar and, via the hang drum, the rhythmic effect is both conversational and hypnotic. And it’s an effect that carries out from that Miles Davis cover to every piece on Tales of Herbst. A seriously powerful album for music that’s as peaceful as the setting sun.
There’s a huge presence to the latest from Fabian Almazan and his ensemble Rhizome. The pianist’s theme of the individual’s connection to the environment plays out across a nine-movement suite, and its diverse mix of influences and instrumentation leads to heavy imagery and a sweeping grandeur. In particular, the vocal contributions from Camila Meza create a harmonic environment highly conducive to soaring melodies, and a string section that includes site-favorite Tomoko Omura adds a majestic quality to send those melodies even higher. It would appear from the very start, Alcanza had its sights set of a very high plateau. It’s not really a question of whether it was achieved, because the true joy of this album is experienced by the way it takes flight. That journey leads to a wealth of thrilling moments.
It’s truly amazing how violinist Sam Bardfeld is able to thread the needle at the point where avant-garde, modern jazz and chamber come together. The nature of the lyricism of The Great Enthusiasms is one of curious melodies, volatile bursts of intensity, and a sardonic wit. The trio of Bardfeld, pianist Kris Davis and drummer Michael Sarin somehow roll out this concoction of tones and influences in a way that is remarkably embraceable. If one were to create a soundtrack for a printed collection of The Far Side comic strips, this is likely how it would sound.
Dec 26 2017
Best of 2017 #15: Michel Portal & Quatuor Ebene – “Eternal Stories” (Erato Records)
Music from Paris, France.
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By davesumner • Recap: Best of 2017 • 0 • Tags: Erato Records, Jazz - Best of 2017, Michel Portal, Paris