Record Reviews

PABLO HELD ~ BUOYANCY HOPALIT 004 (Barcode: 4064832992199) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the 16th album by German pianist / composer Pablo HeldFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which includes British trumpeter Percy PursgloveFind albums by this artist and organist Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, and German drummer Leif BegerFind albums by this artist. Legendary British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist guests on one track, to which she also wrote the lyrics. The album presents eight tracks, five of which are original compositions by Held, one is by Berger and two are from other sources. The liner notes were written by the great British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which makes this album even more connected to British Jazz that it is already. Held is a popular artist on the German / European scene and a prolific recording artists with eighteen albums as a leader to his credit at the time of writing, most recorded with his trio. His music is very melodic, but by far not simplistic, and he is an accomplished pianist and composer. This album presents an unusual lineup of piano and organ, trumpet and drums, which enables him to present deeply melodic vistas, which allow extensive improvisations by all the members of the quartet. The resulting sound is intriguing and highly unusual, as usual when Downes is aboard, and should be very interesting to many listeners not familiar with his playing. Overall, this is a very introvert, slow and somewhat demanding album, which offers many surprising moments and a highly unusual atmosphere, which all add to create a fascinating sonic voyage. The only pity is that Winstone is not present on more tracks, as her presence is always invaluable. This album is a great introduction to Held’s music, which hopefully more listeners will discover.

Updated: 09/08/2024Posted: 09/08/2024

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