Record Reviews

SIMON CHMEL ~ LIGHT ON THE SURFACE UNIT 5095 (Barcode: 7640222860957) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the debut album by the German, Berlin based drummer / composer Simon ChmelFind albums by this artist and his quartet, which also includes trumpeter Max DillerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Enrico OlivantiFind albums by this artist and bassist Johannes FrickeFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all original compositions, five by Chmel, two by Diller and one by Olivanti. The music is based on solid melodic themes, which are skillfully performed by these young musicians. Most of the soloing in naturally done by the trumpeter, who has a nice, clear and steady tone, which suits perfectly the quiet, almost romantic material. The guitar supplies the harmonic support and secondary soloing, avoiding the dreaded Fusiony sound and sticking to the Jazz environment, which is commendable. The rhythm section fills the backing with Fricke’s round bass lines and the leader steady time keeping, all exactly on the “as needed” basis, without unnecessary pyrotechnics. The true forte of this album are the compositions, both by the leader and the band members, which are all well-constructed and coherent, and as such are able to keep the listener interested in listening to the music. The fact that all the music is rather low-key and low-tempo is quite hazardous, as listeners are easily bored these days, but personally I truly enjoyed this reflective atmosphere. Overall, this is an excellent debut effort, which offers truly beautiful music in a rather melancholic atmosphere, which is very well performed by the quartet members. Hopefully they will be able to deliver all that and more in their future projects, exploring all the potential, this album promises. Well done!

Updated: 02/09/2024Posted: 02/09/2024

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