Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rogier Telderman Trio: Contours

36

Rogier Telderman Trio: Contours

By

Sign in to view read count
Rogier Telderman Trio: Contours
The debut recording from Holland's Rogier Telderman Trio, Contours features nine of the pianist's original compositions. In partnership with Guus Bakker on bass and Tuur Moens on drums, Telderman has crafted an album notable for its varied musical and emotional range as well as for its excellent musicianship.

Telderman's writing is melodic and lyrical but with an added edge when the mood of the piece requires it. He's jazz-influenced certainly, but classical, ambient and rock influences also find their places in his writing—there's a more soulful side to his work too, as evidenced by his writing and playing in the superb Dutch band Melphi.

There's nothing too wild on Contours, too raucous or out-of-control. There's plenty of upbeat positivity, however, as well as a selection of more measured compositions. "Skippy Mash" (great title) does indeed skip. It bounces too, thanks to Bakker's bass line. "Minor Conspiracy" is reminiscent of another European piano trio, Phronesis, in its relaxed yet irresistible groove and melody. "On A Tuesday" grabs the attention from the off—an odd mix of Telderman's repetitive rhythm, Bakker's arco bass and Moens' emphatic drumming gives way to a sweeter section dominated by Telderman's piano melody. "Slippers" is another tune that focuses on the groove—this time it's mostly from Telderman's emphatic left hand. "Song For AC" centers on its pretty melody but Bakker punctuates the tune with some strong, punchy, bass notes.

Of the gentler tunes "Sketch" is a graceful, melancholy, piece—Bakker's bass is a key factor in establishing the mood while the interplay between all three men is graceful and intricate. "Goodbye, Monsieur Belkin" is blessed with a beautiful melody, coupled with a degree of tension (for which Moens can take much of the credit) that gives it added drama. "Strange Place"—at just over eight minutes, the album's longest tune—is Telderman's most cinematic composition. An expansive number that seems to give the trio the most scope for improvisation, it appears to be heading for the album's most energetic and explosive ending before a sudden shift in tempo and mood leads to a calmer close.

Contours finishes with "Waltz," a slow and lovely tune that's notable for the restrained playing of all three musicians. It's a beautiful finale to an impressive debut album from the Rogier Telderman Trio.

Track Listing

Goodbye, Monsieur Belkin; On A Tuesday; Minor Conspiracy; Sketch; Strange Place; Song For AC; Slippers; Skippy Mash; Waltz.

Personnel

Rogier Telderman: piano; Guus Bakker: double bass; Tuur Moens: drums.

Album information

Title: Contours | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Rm Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near Rotterdam
Jazz Near Rotterdam
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.