Harmen Fraanje (piano); Mats Eilertsen (bass); Thomas Strønen (drums).
(Review by Lance).
I usually manage to 'delegate' the ECM CDs that I receive - invariably they bear little relation to jazz as I know it - and pass them on to more receptive ears. However, this one prompted me to bite the bullet. A jazz piano trio - I've heard the best! Peterson, Garner, Evans, Jarrett, Corea - could this European group compare?
No!
However, in fairness, I don't think they were targetting the same audience instead they were aiming to reach the listener via a more abstract route rather than by the heart, the head and, ultimately, the feet.
It's cerebral, a jazz Debussy as opposed to a jazz Scarlatti, a recording that makes one realise that European jazz has a voice of its own, removed from the US and the UK. Brexit may make that difference even greater and limit live exposure to bands such as this. If so, then so be it. There are so many touring bands within the UK that never reach the northeast whilst bands from the continent turn up frequently.
Like most ECM albums, this one doesn't offend - far from it - the blasé mood lulls you into a soporific calm and, if you fall asleep, you won't have any nightmares.
The disc had no promotional blurb attached and the booklet comprised only black and white photos of the musicians - admittedly good photos - but no additional info. I could have gone online to find out more but, in truth, I wasn't that interested.
Lance
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