Joachim Schoenecker: In the Moment

Joachim Schoenecker is not exactly a household name. In fact, it is a vowel-pregnant German mouthful. But his playing is not. In the Moment is a collection of band originals, save Ellington's "Day Dream", and Schoenecker proves his stones equally on acoustic and electric guitars. Label regulars John Goldsby on bass (who is about to release his own Viewpoint, NH 2014) and the ubiquitous Adam Nussbaum join him for a quietly swinging ministry of guitar jazz. But that is not all. Schoenecker shares the limelight with multi-reedist Chris Potter, who adds his special touch to this exceptional release.

The disc opens with "Better than Words", a gentle ballad highlighted by Schoenecker's acoustic playing and Nussbaum's sandy brushwork. Potter adds his soprano stamp on "Taxi of the Desert" and his tenor on " Night Out ". Schoenecker pays tribute to Pat Martino, a considerable influence, on "Dry Martino". A ballad taken at a languid pace, "Martino" is another sandy walk for Nussbaum and Goldsby. In the Moment is a relaxed outing by a talent who has been hiding his light beneath a basket. Super mainstream jazz guitar playing with the talent of Chris potter to boot.

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