Phil Donkin (double bass), Ben
Wendel (tenor saxophone), Glenn Zaleski (piano) & Jochen Rückert (drums)
(Review by Russell)
From Sunderland
to London to New York
and on to Germany
The Gate comprises ten
tracks composed by Donkin and two arrangements (Thelonious Monk’s Introspection and Dimitri Shostakovich’s
Prelude no 23 in F major). The title
track is a subdued, reflective piece featuring the composer’s commanding
introduction and the measured response of Ben Wendel’s tenor and Glenn
Zaleski’s piano. In contrast, Macon
Groove and Introspection positively
fly. Drummer Jochen Rückert navigates the bop language with élan and on Birthday Samba demonstrates he can
handle anything the composer-bandleader throws at him as Zaleski lays down a
dazzlingly fluid solo.
Butterfingers is in safe
hands with this quartet; Donkin’s walking bass line encourages Wendel to strike
out and when the tenor has had its say there is Donkin (he hadn’t gone
anywhere) alongside the most impressive Rückert. Submerged doesn’t let up, Zaleski’s solo finding common ground with
Wendel’s tenor on a late Trane vibe. Unusually the track ends on a fade-out.
Perhaps the quartet played on and on, such was the groove!
One for Johnny; the title suggests a bop-era number (horn players
trading etc). It is an example of twenty first century swinging, modern jazz. Yesterday at My House is the killer cut. A furious, unrelenting
pace – all four musicians burn it up. At three minutes and thirty five seconds think
Little Giant or Tubbs working with the best. Hear it!
The Gate is released on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings’ label WR4668
on March 9th. Phil Donkin tours the UK
during March starting tonight (Tuesday 3rd) at the Sound Cellar in Poole, Dorset . The official album launch gig is at the Pizza Express
in Soho, London
Russell
Note: Jochen
Ruckert is unavailable for the 
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