Randal Despommier: A Midsummer Odyssey

Lars Gullin was a Swedish baritone saxophonist active mainly in the Fifties and Sixties and known for his work on his native jazz scene as well as playing with American stars such as Chet Baker and Lee Konitz. His compositions were an early example of a European musician mixing the sounds of his home country with American jazz, bringing a thoughtful Nordic calm into the cool jazz realm. Alto saxophonist Randal Despommier is a long-time Gullin fan and, on this album, he interprets nine of his compositions in a duo with guitarist Ben Monder.

Gullin usually worked in conventional jazz group configurations with a full rhythm section. The pared-down duo on this album bypasses all that to burrow into the heart of Gullin's melodies, bringing out a folkish simplicity which comes out in various ways. It emerges as a lovely hazy melancholy on "Danny's Dream" and "Silhouette." "BBC Blues" has a compact swing reminiscent of the bluesy sassiness of Jimmy Giuffre's trio music. "Dyningar" is an elegantly moody stroll where Despommier's wistful alto is supported by plush guitar notes while "Toka Voka Oka Boka" has the saxophonist dancing along a sprightly folk theme as Monder plays ominous sliding chords behind him.

Despommier and Monder complement each other very well. Their combination of floating alto and quietly forceful guitar fit together as naturally as Paul Desmond and Jim Hall through the deep brooding of "Mazurka," the chugging Brazilian rhythm of "I Min Smala Sang," and the intimate balladry of "I Hope It's Spring For You." Quieter moods dominate the album but "Igloo" is an exception. It is a lively boppish line in Birth of the Cool fashion which the duo play in close harmony before Despommier spirals out over popping guitar accompaniment.

The chemistry between Despommier and Monder brings out the best in Gullin's intriguing tunes. They interact beautifully and create an intimate but bracing sound full of life but tinged with a note of chilled reserve. This project makes a fine gateway into the music of Lars Gullin.

Comments