Record Reviews

MANU KATCHÉ ~ MANU KATCHÉ ECM 2284 (Barcode: 602537094561) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the fourth album for the ECMFind albums on this label label by French / African (born in Ivory Coast) drummer / composer Manu KatchéFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which includes Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter MolvaerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Tore BrunborgFind albums by this artist (both members of the band MasqualeroFind albums by this artist in the past) and British keyboardist Jim WatsonFind albums by this artist. The album includes ten original compositions, all by Katché. This quartet returns to the trumpet / saxophone front line, which Katché used on his first two albums and which seems to fit best his musical concept, which is melodic mainstream Jazz supported by strong rhythmic riffs. His compositions are very lyrical and somewhat restrained, which is an ideal environment for the Scandinavian players. The keyboards are used also extensively as a tool to provide ambient soundscapes and overall atmospheric effects. The absence of bass creates a sharper contrast between the melodies and the rhythmic patterns. The entire album has a significant Scandinavian Jazz touch, spiced by the African based drumming, with work together wonderfully. There is little innovation here, but the music is aesthetically pleasing and wonderfully performed. All these players are very talented musicians and their individual statements as well as collective playing is simply spotless. As far as the compositions are concerned, it seems that this is the best set of original compositions by Katché so far and he obviously is getting better at this aspect of his career in time. For me Watson is the most interesting player on this album, with a truly chameleonic ability to move form one keyboard instrument to another, always being perfectly suitable for the specific piece of music. The sound quality and ambience are brilliant, as always with ECM recordings. This album should satisfy most connoisseurs of contemporary Jazz and for Katché fans this is another "must have" trophy. Recommended!

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