The title and the opening track refer to Harbeck's tenor, a 1939 Selmer Balanced Action saxophone that once belonged to Stan Getz. So no pressure there then! Harbeck doesn't sound anything like Getz - who does? Nevertheless, he displays a depth of feeling that Stan, despite his dazzling technique didn't always manage.
The sound is fuller with no superficiality - he makes every note count - just so laid back. Maybe not as sensuous as Ben Webster but nor does he send you to sleep although he does get you to dream. Like imagining you are in a late night bar in Copenhagen with someone special and maybe just wondering should you stay or should you take up what's on offer. But the music is the bigger draw and you stay until the closer which is, appropriately called, To be Continued. An original composition, as they all are, it rounds off a delightful album.
This was the first time I'd heard the Danish tenor player and I hope it won't be the last. It would be nice though to have heard him blowing some up-tempo numbers.
Stylistically he reminds me of the late French tenor saxophonist Guy Lafitte - similar sound. His fellow travellers are also well worth checking out with pianist Gunde the most sublime of accompanists. I'd be lying if I said this would be a contender come NYE but it's certainly worth checking out. Lance.
Balanced; One Fine Day; Silver String Valley; The Enchanter; Tranquillity; Woodwind; One Step at a Time; The Drive; To be Continued.
BANDCAMP. Available in various formats from March 3.
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