Phil Haynes - Herb Robertson 5tet: Brooklyn - Berlin

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: February 1, 2001

Additional accolades would seem redundant for this improvising crew! On Brooklyn – Berlin drummer Phil Haynes and trumpeter Herb Robertson spearhead a “5tet” featuring multi-reedmen Ned Rothenberg and Vinny Golia along with the always solid bassist Ken Filiano for a set brimming with emotional interplay, temperate themes and cunning improv.

On “Kiss Principle”, Haynes launches the proceedings with a medium-tempo swing pulse via his sweeping brush-work as Rothenberg and Golia performing solely on clarinets here and throughout, inject equal parts Bop and free-jazz. Meanwhile, Robertson’s signature style muted trumpet lines offer a parody of human’s chattering about their business as the band engages in alternating dialogue and converging choruses.

With “Inner-lude”, the musicians partake in disjointed lines while also utilizing space as a means for the listener to anticipate the subsequent turn of events. Yet here, the band raises the ante via climactic opuses and fiercely executed themes, whereas, the piece titled “Intending Heart” is all about blues driven motifs amid interlacing labyrinths of extended notes, jubilant choruses and Filiano’s imaginative walking bass lines.

The band pursues a straightforward swing on “Chompin’ at the Bit” while Haynes’ multi-purpose and hard driving attack provides the momentum; however, the drummer also exhibits his improvisational wares while frequently echoing the soloist’s articulations and maintaining the fertile undercurrents. And besides the blistering solos and turbulent interludes, the musicians skillfully infuse sublime beauty and heartfelt lyricism into this convincingly strong outing! Cadence

Track Listing: Kiss Principal, Inner-lude, Brooklyn

Personnel: Phil Haynes; drums: Herb Robertson; cornet, trumpet: Ned Rothenberg; bass clarinet, clarinet: Vinny Golia; clarinet, Eb soprano clarinet, Eb alto, bass clarinet: Ken Filiano; bass

Record Label: CIMP Records
Style: Modern Jazz