If we had a Jazz Euro 2021 then, on the strength of this miniature (37 mins), Denmark would be well in contention. Toftemark is a new name to me although he studied in New York with such luminaries as Eric Alexander and Joel Frahm as well as performing with Peter Bernstein and Ethan Iverson and that experience shows in this recording made in his homeland.
Make no mistake, he's a swinger. Light of tone, but not gutless. Runs the changes like nobody's business, but much much more than a mere technical exercise.
I first heard Blue and Sentimental by the pre-war Basie band with Herschel Evans on tenor. This version gives an idea as to how it may have sounded had Lester played tenor instead of clarinet and it had happened 80 years later!
Love me or Leave me - the second option is out of the question, nobody's going to leave this gently swinging version.
Autumn in New York is a perfect example of how to play a ballad without coming across as overly sentimental or, conversely, paying scant regard to the sentiments of the song. Charlie Parker, Lester, Getz were past masters of the art and Toftemark too has acquired the knowhow. Those qualities are also present in I'm a Fool to Want You albeit I found the head perhaps a touch over-dramatic but, I hasten to add, only a touch!
Of the two originals; A New York Flight is, in effect, what it says on the tin ie a blast but, 2223 is more enigmatic. A series of numbers, we're told, that seem to follow Toftemark in love and in friendships - make of it what you will or, alternatively, just settle back and enjoy the music.
Three great Danes make up the quartet and, they ain't dogs! Lance
Available now on April Records. Try/buy.
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