Jan Harbeck Quartet: Balanced

Should you find yourself sitting by the fireside late at night, perhaps swirling something in a glass, and you fancy listening to some elegantly refined jazz, then this album should fit the bill. Jan Harbeck is a Danish saxophonist, bandleader and composer and Balanced is his sixth album with his long-standing quartet.

The Jan Harbeck play to packed houses around Denmark and Europe and have multi-million streams on Spotify. Previously, they have often used the Great American Songbook as the backbone of their material. That focus has now shifted and this album consists entirely of compositions from Harbeck. Joining him are his long-standing bandmates Henrik Gunde (piano), Eske Nørrelykke (bass) and Anders Holm (drums). The quartet becomes a quintet on five tracks with the addition of Cuban percussionist Eliel Lazo .

The album starts with the slowly swinging title track. Despite playing a saxophone previously owned and used by Stan Getz, (a 1939 Selmer Balanced Action), Harbeck here bears closer comparison with the style and sound of Ben Webster, a clear influence. The playing is mellow and always contained. There are no fast sax runs, no taking the instrument to its limits, just a relaxed bluesy sway. Henrik Gunde's creative piano break adds interest and variety to this excellent opener.

There is a melancholic tone to much of the material that follows. "One Fine Day," "Tranquility" and "Woodwind" are all slow explorations of their respective ballad themes. The quartet opens up plenty of spaces for the breathy and languid saxaphone to shine. Despite the unhurried pace, there is a great deal going on in the background. Pianist Gunde is a constant delight every time he opens up. Nørrelykke and Holm show remarkable control and are always making small shifts to the regular rhythms to add shade and contrast.

"The Enchanter" and "The Drive" increase the pace. Both tracks quietly groove along with Harbeck and Gunde stretching out just a little further than previously. Both tracks add Lazo on percussion, allowing the tempo to expand. Elsewhere, "Silver String Valley" shows a more soulful pulse and the final track, "To Be Continued" is another touching ballad.

This laid-back quartet understands exactly what they are doing. Their music is gentle and understated. Harbeck is a lucid player and his companions are well-matched to his elegant style. An enjoyable album that may have you refilling that glass and hitting replay.

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