Album review: Clara Haberkamp Trio - Plateaux (TYXart series "JAZZart")

Clara Haberkamp (piano); Oliver Potratz (bass); Jarle Vespestad (drums)

A new name to me, indeed three new names although all are well-established names in Germany and deservedly so. Let's blame Brexit for my ignorance.

Haberkamp is an original and exciting player far removed from any suggestion of being just a pianist 'tinkling the ivories' in a cocktail lounge. Quite the opposite in fact varying from a Schumann meets Jarrett to a Wagnerian influenced Cecil Taylor approach depending on the mood of the composition. 

However, these references are slight compared to the greater scenario which is that of an outstanding pianist and an innovative composer. Enfold me Like a Poem is as evocative as the title implies conjuring up sensitive images normally only done with words. Here the music is the words.

I'm so mesmerised by the piano that I'm almost overlooking the role of bass and drums who are more than just supportive players, although of course they are all of that but they also transform it from three individuals into one cohesive unit. Which, these days, is what a contemporary piano trio should be.

There is also another bonus and this came as a surprise albeit a very pleasant one which in itself was a surprise!

Clara sings Danny Boy - yes the very same song that's usually only sung at closing time after a few pints of Guinness. No suggestion of the 'black stuff' in this will-o'-the-wisp version. The voice wraps itself around your mind, your heart, your whole being and her piano accompaniment has the same effect leaving you to wish you'd been born Danny! Lance

Cycle; Fantasmes; Plateaux; On a Park Bench*; Ich bin von kopf bis FuB ouf Liebe eingestellt**; Enfold me Like a Poem; Counter-Curse; If You Could Read my Mind***; Collage; Danny Boy****.

All compositions by Clara Haberkamp except: *Haberkamp, Potratz, Vespestad;  **Friedrich Hollaender; ***Gordon Lightfoot; ****Traditional/Frederick Weatherly.

Liner notes by Sebastian Scotney.

Available later this month DETAILS.