Record Reviews

CLAUS WAIDTLOW ~ NEW BEGINNING GATEWAY 5707471056806 (Barcode: 5707471056806) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is an album by Danish saxophonist / composer Claus WaidtlowFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Jacob ChristoffersenFind albums by this artist, bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist. On three tracks the quartet is expanded to a septet with additional horns. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Waidtlow. The music is kept well within melodic mainstream Jazz, but the compositions are fresh and coherent, typical of contemporary European Jazz, based on nontrivial harmonic approach and delicate refined aesthetics. The three septet tracks are superbly arranged for the larger ensemble, retaining the subtlety and delicacy of the quartet. Waidtlow plays with fluency and confidence, but always with elegance and restrain, with a wonderful tone blissfully reminiscent of Stan GetzFind albums by this artist. The rhythm section is simply perfect in every way, always closely supportive behind the leader, with superb harmonic accompaniment by the piano and fluent precise rhythmic drive by the bass and drums, who are always present but remain unobtrusive. Overall this is a classic example of contemporary mainstream European Jazz, which is simply perfect from start to finish and a great fun to listen to proving that mainstream melody based jazz can be creative, sophisticated and delightful at the same time. As a matter of fact this is one of the best albums in that specific idiom that have come across my desk lately. Hats off! Although mainstream oriented, this album should be of interest to all Jazz connoisseurs the world over. The special European flavor, elegance and grace simple place it ahead of most other mainstream recordings originating from across the pond. A delightful gem!

Updated: 10/10/2018Posted: 10/10/2018

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