Altfrid M. Sicking: I Am

There is this construct that says that jazz is a global enterprise. A delicious example comes from the German-based Mons label and I Am. The foundation of this post-bop album is a quartet anchored by Altfrid M. Sicking on vibes/marimba, Sebastian Altekamp on piano, Ingo Senst on bass and Christian Schoenfeldt on drums. On several of the tracks there are additional players. All the compositions and the arrangements are by Sicking and they make an interesting and varied bagful.

The opening track is "Song For Alf" with trumpeter Christian Kappe and tenor saxophonist Martin Classen added to the mix. The band takes a smart, uncluttered approach to the number. Sicking and Kappe set the theme, following which Sicking carves out a strong solo, striking single notes and using little vibrato. "I Love These Days" is a fetching Latin number performed by the quartet with added percussionist Markus Passlick. In this frame, the band is tightly integrated with a wonderful melodic sense and swinging beat.

It is unfortunate that there are no liner notes to accompany this release, telling listeners about the musicians. However, the press release reveals that Altfrid Sicking has been a member of the WDR Big Band and is a university lecturer in Münster, Germany. The musicians on the session are some of his favorite regular colleagues. Even if the names are unfamiliar, these guys can play, as evidenced by the sextet rendition of "On The Road Again," and with the full group on "Coming Home." The former has a solid mid-tempo beat, structured in such a way as to provide solo space for Sicking's vibes, along with trumpeter Kappe and Classen on tenor sax. They all play with brisk and focused proficiency. On the latter number, there is a Latin infusion which adds an interesting dimension to the piece, combining timbre and texture for a propulsively assertive sound. At the end of the day, good music is good music, regardless of the global provenance.