Thomas Hass mixes and matches his tenor/soprano saxes with a rotating team of Nikolaj Hess/p, Lennart Ginman/b and Frands Rifbjerg/dr through a mix of originals and covers. He divides up the charts between lithe and gentle trios with bass and piano on “Gimbo” and “Anti-Freze” with more assertive tunes with bass and drums on “Angel Park” and “Short Free.” His tenor is on the latter pieces is strong and warm, something missing in most of today’s limp agonizers, while his soprano hovers like a hawk as on the fragrant “Bibo No Aozora.” In either milieu, the spaciousness is served well, as with a group of conversationalists who feel comfortable during moments where there is no need to fill in the pregnant pauses. Fresh and warm like early morning baked bread.
Storyville Records