One of the unstated problems about jazz per se is that it’s so much easier to get into jazz by listening to older, more established stars (and their older material) than it is to try someone a bit newer on the scene. Here are two artists that aren’t BRAND new, they’ve been around a little bit, but they deserve a bit more attention.
Danish guitarist Torben Waldorff has a gentle understated touch and sound, not too dissimilar from Jim Hall, except it’s a bit more linear. Here, with a team of simpaticos (Gary Versace/p-key, Matt Clohesy/b, Jon Wikan/dr) he focuses on subtle group interplay on a collection of originals. Melodies are flying all over the place, and Waldorff takes his themes like “You Here” and “Fat #2” and stretches, winds and cuts and splices them with intriguing elan. The teamwork of all involved works like an defensive front line, with some perfectly executed timing on the blitzingly intricate “Burtsong” the Brazilian flavored “Poolside.” Impressive material here.
Bassist/composer Dave Phillips leads a team with John O’Gallagher/as, Rez Abbasi/g, Tony Moreno/dr, Glen Fitten/perc and Jon Werking/p through an collection of originals. The team works well on gently gliding themes like “Exit 13” and grooving pieces like “Mistral,” which includes some thriving bass lines by the leader, and warm (but not too bright) work on the alto sax. Most impressive is the bluesy feel on “Pyramid,” and best of all are the ventures into the Middle East and Central Asia. Of the former the slightly chaotic “Tanchaz” has the energy of the Tel Aviv bus depot, while “Cricket Song” has some delectable nimbleness supplied by the whole rhythm and string team. Creative and inviting.
Artist Share Records
www.waldorff.com
Innova Records