Steve Houben (alto sax/flute/vocal); Greg Houben (trumpet/vocal); Pascal Mohy (piano); Cédric Raymond (bass); James Williams (drums).
(Review by Lance)
I hold up my hand and confess that I don't know everything about everything of every great jazz musician in the world. Truth is that there are those of whom I dispute their greatness - no names, no pack drill - and there are others that I should know everything about - from breakfast to supper and beyond - and whom I don't! Steve Houben is just such a musician. He slipped under my radar but no way will he do it again after hearing this pièce de résistance!
Belgium born, he studied at Berklee in the 1970s, recorded with Chet Baker, taught saxophone at conservatories in Brussels and Liège and is currently renewing his presence on the international jazz scene.
On this delightful album he is joined by his trumpet playing son Greg who composed 5 tracks (Steve chipped in with 3) and co-composed Happy Culture with Fabian Forini who also provided a piece titled The Fall.
Whilst Houben & Son 7/7 remains firmly inside the walls there is a distinct air of freedom - it's the freedom one gets from falling in love and running hand in hand to a never never land as opposed to the freedom of a jailbreak and a life on the run.
Houben père is deliciously fluid on alto with the cool laidback feel of, say, Lee Konitz or Art Pepper whilst still retaining his individuality. L'enfant Greg (48 year old) plays trumpet like a West Coast resident with perhaps a dash of Herb Alpert added to the mix. A very lyrical player. He also turns out a gentle, croony vocal on Homeboy with dad providing the harmony.
The rhythm section are tops with Mohy's solos as impressive as those by the horn players which is impressive indeed!
Lance
Teaser.
Lance
Teaser.
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