Cellist Sahara von Hattenberger forms a jazzy chamber group with Joanne Kang/p, Adrian Vedady/b and Jim Doxas/dr, bringing ideas on this double disc set from both the Murakami fantasy novel 1Q84, but also from a classic 80s album from Claude Bolling
Of the former, the cellist is featured on a dramatic “Air Chrysalis” around Kang’s lovely piano, while von Hattenberger’s high pitched pickings fumble around dark ivories during “Running Up That Hill” with a dramatic chase scene ensued on “Rondo Squilibrato”. Bollings Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio was a big hit back in the day when Yo Yo Ma was the featured guest, but von Hattenberger adds a modern sense to the proceeding. There’s a rich ripple of impressionism during “Romantique” and the team longingly broods through the elegant “Ballade”. A cozy swing breezes through “Baroque In Rhythm” and the leader skates like Sonja Henie on the charming “Cello Fan”. Ambitious ambitions.