Vinkeloe/Cremaschi/Masaoka/Robair: Klang. Farbe. Melodie

The title of this album translates into "sound. color. melody." That's apt, given the resolution of the pieces that comprise the record. There is no gainsaying which way the music will go and where it will lead. The spur of the moment gives no warning. What is sufficient is that each of the players has a sense of direction and harmonics, and also that sound can be subjugated to give tonality the greatest dimension. So, as the music flows, smoothly or in fits and starts, there is no shattering dissonance. The shared empathy locks in improvisation as each player fathoms the other. And as the music floats and weaves, it rises into a collective embrace, as on the placid gentility of "Minous," where the koto unveils strands of melody plucked by Miya Masaoki with deliberation and shifting emphasis, the contrabass of George Cremaschi and the percussion of Gino Robair creating an instinctive partnership. The latter has a storehouse of percussion that brings in several unusual and enjoyable moments.

The music is not without a jazz sensibility. Biggi Vinkeloe brings that to bear on "Mr. Humble Opinion" with her phrasing on the alto, her twisting lines stacking one idea upon another as she pushes the edges spurred by Robair and the rumbling bass runs of Cremaschi.