The Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969: 2015-2017

This week's thrilling albums are a rather obscure lot; four of them hail from Europe and one from Canada. But like all the thrilling albums that preceded them, they possess that elusive quality that keeps you engaged, offering a new discovery with each subsequent listen, ensuring their staying power and ability to seduce your soul over a lifetime. Masterpieces, all, in this writer's opinion. Who says brilliant jazz is not being made in these turbulent times?

72 Thrilling Jazz Albums, Part 10: 2015-2017

55

Blue Blue
Berger-Knutsson-Spering-Schultz
County & Eastern
2015

Such a simple album with four European jazz adepts: Bengt Berger, German master drummer and percussionist, heads this sublime quartet with Jonas Knutsson on saxophones, Christian Spering on bass and Max Schultz on guitar. Berger has been around for some time; in 1981 he released Bitter Funeral Beer on ECM Records. He recorded a handful of live trio albums as Berger-Knutsson-Spering, but with the addition of Schultz on guitar for this one-time studio date, they captured lightning in a bottle. Sax-guitar quartets aren't entirely unique, yet it's a rarity for a group to infuse such varied approaches into every single song within their program.

"Frankly" has an atmospheric opening with all the instruments emerging from the mist, the guitar introducing the cries of the sax and then trading solos on a gorgeous, folk-infused melody. "Beyond" presents a bluesy, lyrical melody with sax and guitar intertwined. Each takes substantial solos, returns to the thematic melody, and closes with grace. "My Sequence" opens with a jaunty rhythm, the sax soaring and the guitar dancing on top. Each melody boasts a memorable hook and a signature groove, ensuring that no song resembles another. When combined, they create an album that transcends the sum of its parts, delivering an exquisite cascade of thrills.

56

ChuffDRONE
ChuffDRONE
Jazzwerkstatt
2015

"ChuffDRONE" by chuffDRONE emerges as a hidden gem, a captivating album that seizes your attention and refuses to let go. This five-person band hailing from Vienna, Austria, boasts a lineup of four women—two on reeds, one on bass, and another on drums—accompanied by a male pianist. Though their lineup has evolved over the past eight years, this debut album remains an exhilarating, fun-filled journey, packed with unexpected twists and turns that promise a fully immersive musical experience, all born from their original compositions.

The album bursts into life with the opener, "Cassiopeia," a track that grooves like a thrilling roller coaster ride, setting the stage for what's to come. "Twist of Fate" begins on a pensive note, showcasing a soul-stirring bass clarinet solo, later echoed by the haunting tones of the saxophone, paving the way for a bluesy piano solo that adds depth to the composition. "Katsumotos Balkantrip" lives up to its name, diving into a whirlwind of sound that mirrors its title—a dizzying Balkan dance amid the musical festivities. Just 22 minutes in, and the album has already delivered its worth, yet the momentum only continues to build.

From start to finish, ChuffDRONE resonates like the work of seasoned virtuosos with decades of experience, making it all the more remarkable that this was crafted by such young talents. The album is a testament to their artistry, a vibrant mosaic of musical prowess that captures the essence of their creative spirit.

57

Silent Understanding
Doublepulse
Laika Records
2015

Silent Understanding, the sole album by Doublepulse—Boriana Dimitrova on baritone, alto and soprano saxophones and Niels-Henrik Heinsohn on drums—from Bulgaria, transcends mere instrumentation to create an unparalleled sonic landscape. Dimitrova's mastery of reed instruments elevates each track, her live overdubs on the saxophones adding layers of thrilling complexity. The album cover hints at her innovative approach, showcasing her use of electronics to establish a pulsating foundation by looping one saxophone's rhythms while soloing on another, harmonized by Heinsohn's dynamic drumming.

The journey begins with "Inspiring Nights," setting a subtle drum groove against a backdrop of a captivating melody, initially built over a repeated saxophone foundation. The track gradually shifts into a livelier baritone groove, igniting Dimitrova's impassioned alto saxophone solo, amplified by Heinsohn's thunderous drumming. Whether these performances are captured in a single take remains a mystery, yet the sheer intensity is breathtaking.

Each subsequent track follows suit, captivating listeners with spellbinding solos that effortlessly surpass the preceding ones. The seamless groove anchors every moment, straddling the fine line between being comfortably ensconced and teetering on the precipice of anticipation.

Regrettably, Silent Understanding might stand as the sole testament to Doublepulse's artistry. Nevertheless, this album stands tall as a breathtaking thriller, a radiant beacon shining amidst a sea of lesser musical efforts.

58

Madeleine
Ghost Rhythms
Laboratoire d'Exploration Musicale
2015

This accomplished European jazz collective led by drummer Xavier Gélard and Cecille Petit on keyboards, Ghost Rhythms, crafts an alternate soundtrack for Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo," paying homage to the fated heroine of that classic film. This two-hour double album delves into both the heights and depths of agony and ecstasy, showcasing a unique sonic identity that sets Ghost Rhythms apart. The 17-piece band, blending classical and jazz influences, weaves Steve Reich-inspired grooves that caress the soul in tracks like "Another Bridge" before tearing it asunder in pieces like "I Did Not."

On the former song, a noble Native American tom-tom rhythm sets the stage, inviting a soprano sax to weave a passionate melody akin to a consuming fire. The composition then ascends into a delirious rock aria, propelled by the band's double-throttle energy, only to conclude with a delicate, baroque piano flourish. "Tree Ashes" begins with a furious piano, launching into a double-time march that echoes the depths of the Grand Canyon. It escalates into a syncopated, driving rhythm where a roaring piano trio, enchanted reeds, and an otherworldly sax solo soar beyond celestial boundaries and back.

Ghost Rhythms resides next to "thrilling" in the dictionary. Their 26-album discography, notably live recordings, beckons you to explore their musical mastery. Start with Madeleine for an experience that promises thrills beyond imagination.

59

Oceanic Suite
Atlantis Jazz Ensemble
Marlow Records
2016

This first album (a second, Celestial Suite, was released in Oct 2023) by this Canadian quintet takes a deliberate step back in time, crafting a spiritual jazz masterpiece reminiscent of the early 1970s. Throughout, there's a pervasive melodious vibe, each track effortlessly settling into a gentle, dancing groove. Among the standout performers, trumpeter Ed Lister and saxophonist Zakari Frantz excel at weaving serene, captivating performances.

The true beauty of great jazz lies in its vivid imagery and captivating rhythms, and this album delivers just that. "Pillars of Hercules" presents a sinuously enthralling trumpet solo, akin to an exhilarating underwater odyssey alongside a mermaid through the sunken ruins of Atlantis. "Yemaya" embraces a mesmerizing, undulating groove that unfolds at its own unhurried pace. Frantz's saxophone solo soars to profound emotional depths, while Lister's trumpet takes the spotlight with a passionate declaration. Clocking in at 9:41, it's the album's lengthiest track, affording the luxury of time to embark on a multifaceted journey through Atlantis, each member contributing brilliant solos.

The album's thematic narrative ventures boldly forward, each track a brushstroke in a grand sonic panorama. "Leviathan" narrates a noble, urgent quest in pursuit of a worthy prize. "Blue Nile" transports the listener to Cleopatra's river cruiser, complete with sinewy oarsmen and swaying dancers. Closing with "Aegean Mist," the album gently wafts listeners into a dreamlike realm, a place of serene contentment and absolute relaxation. This is jazz of an extraordinary caliber—a spiritual odyssey that transcends mere music, delving deep into the realm of the soul.

If you locate this digitally, also search for one bonus song, "White Nile," which is a fitting conclusion to the Oceanic Suite.

Layers of the City
Ben Allison
Sonic Camera
2017

Ben Allison an eminent figure in American jazz known for his prowess as a bassist, bandleader, and co-founder of the Jazz Composers Collective, has carved a rich legacy since the early '90s. With a discography spanning more than 25 years, he's consistently delivered distinctive and immensely enjoyable modern jazz albums, largely comprised of his original compositions. His ensemble, "Think Free," echoes the instrumentation of his 2009 album of the same name. At the heart of this musical adventure lies Marcus Printup, a trumpeter whose evocative and melodious solos take center stage in every piece. The late Frank Kimbrough's profoundly expressive piano work adds layers to the intricate, multifaceted narrative of the city.

"Magic Number" reimagines John McLaughlin's "Follow Your Heart," a familiar yet poignant composition. Printup navigates its languid melody with delicate precision, while guitarist Steve Cardenas carries the torch of McLaughlin's legacy in a solo that honors its essence. "Enter the Dragon" rouses the city from its slumber, propelling forward with nimble determination. Printup's introductory solo sets the tone before a chorus reflecting the bustling, eventful day gives way to Kimbrough's perfectly chaotic solo. "Ghost Ship" offers a serene respite amidst the city's frenzy—a gentle, slow dance. Printup's trumpet resonates with a yearning cry, reminiscent of Miles Davis, adding a haunting depth. The title track stands as the album's centerpiece, a thrilling sonic journey propelled by Allison's groove, mirrored by Printup's roller-coaster-like solos. Cardenas ventures fearlessly into uncharted territories in his solo excursions. "The Detective's Wife" unfolds like a film noir mystery, with Kimbrough setting the tone, passing the torch to Printup for a leisurely stroll down a dark yet intriguing alleyway.

This album is a masterpiece, an intricately woven tapestry of materials and performances that vividly evoke the visual and aural essence of a layered cityscape. From the initial note to the final cadence, it captivates, offering true sonic delights that await any listener fortunate enough to experience this remarkable musical journey.

Next week

The Jazz Thrillers of next week span the years of 2017-2020. Two horn divas from the London Jazz scene, A sublime sax virtuoso, ritual trance music from a German genius, Allison Miller's crowning achievement and the great Aaron Parks with his sophomore Little Big outing.

To see all the albums in this series, scroll down the page and click on the blue MORE button.

Comments