Jazz also has its delicate and tender side. Here are a couple examples from recent releases…
Flutist (flautist? Flaunt it if you’ve got it-ist?) Christian Artmann teams up with Gregg Kallor/p, Johannes Weidenmueller/b and Jeff Hirshfield for a pastoral collection of originals. He can get a bit bluesy on the easy bopper “Fum-Fo-Fie” while he and Kallor create a sonata-like atmosphere on the waltzing “Sarabrand.” Long tones create a breezy atmosphere on “Sunya” and the soft droplets on “Lullaby for Julian.” Hirshfield’s cymbals dance on the gentle “August” while Weidenmueller is featured on “Atacama.” Like laying on your back and watching the clouds roll by.
Guitarist Giancarlo Mazzu’ joins together with pianist Luciano Troja for ten originals that exude romanticism and reflection. Quiet playfulness is felt on “Blues for Giuseppino” and subtle interplay goes back and forth on “Qui” and the gently swinging “Village Flowers.” Mazzu’s strings chime on “Natural Wisdom” and Troja’s piano is dreamy on “Quando Amavam L’America.” The duo does get a bit feisty at times, delivering a delta twang on the jarring “Fat Mouse In Brooklyn,” but that is simply a belch during the dessert on this sweet collection of pastries.