Teus Nobel & Liberty Group: Human First

Highly respected Dutch trumpeter Teus Nobel has forged a distinguished, modern jazz-based discography which includes expertise ranging from small bands to orchestras, and mainstream pop to theatrical show tunes. The third project released by Nobel's Liberty Group progresses along traditional quartet-type experimentation which proves to be some of his most extraordinary work yet; it sounds like a thematic sky with no limit in imagination or proficiency.

The album's tour de force is the twenty-seven minute "Human First," which blossoms, suite-like, from an opening big bang cacophony into sparkling solo themes and dynamic rhythmic progressions. Guest guitarist Teis Semey's subdued energy builds on underlying tension as if he is parting a curtain which expands universal chords of creative energy. Pianist Alexander van Popta brings a freshness to various keys including a Fender Rhodes reminiscent of Belgian master Casimir Liberski's spacey epics, while another special guest, Jasper Blom, puts saxophone wings on Semey's floating leads.

The jaunty "When Riku Saw the Colors Dancing, Part I," by pianist Popta features a swirling solo by the composer which evokes the song's Northern Lights inspiration before Nobel makes his entrance around the halfway point for a fine, finishing charge of abstract flugelhorn swinging. Drummer Tuur Moens and bassist Jeroen Vierdag are effective throughout as the piece deconstructs with precision. There is no stated reason why the song was split in half, so no hairs will be split here.

"When Riku Saw the Colors Dancing, Part II" returns to the primary quartet's format like a bookending, ear worm boomerang. The piece opens with bass-based storm clouds, layered over calm contrasting keys. Nobel's trumpet completes the journey, highlighted in a closing call-and-response with the piano.

Nobel is also an instructor at a Netherlands music academy and this record offers a prime lesson on advancing sonic foundations, with almost all of the record's forty-three minute length put to optimal use. Explaining the album's title and personal feel, Nobel elaborated on his inspiration. "It may sound like a cliché to say that Covid changed the way I perceived my career, but I re-read Herbie Hancock's biography and the sentiment struck me. I'm a husband, father, brother, son, and a friend first. Then I'm a musician."

There are a few brief, unnecessary lulls during scattered phrases but most transitions, such as the suite's crisp, closing piano interlude and wonderfully sensuous follow-up, are quite touching. They lead to a deep space wrap-up which evolves into a perfectly logical conclusion for this vast, peaceful universe where Frank Zappa and Don Cherry could await at cloud's core with a smile. Nobel has been touted in Holland as an emerging future star. Much of this album shows he is already well on his way there.

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