Hans Glawischnig: Panorama

It would be a misnomer to refer to bassist Hans Glawischnig as just a rising star. With an impressive body of work (albeit as a sideman) since moving to New York in the early nineties, the Austrian native has provided a firm foundation for artists including Bobby Watson's Urban Renewal Band, saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera and vibraphonist Stefon Harris.

Glawischnig's attributes include power and melodism in the vein of such players as Dave Holland and Drew Gress. But there's also a refined thread of classical training, especially when you hear his impeccable bow work. With original compositions covering a landscape of ideas, the aptly titled Panorama is further proof of Glawischnig's sharp abilities as a musician and composer. He is joined by a superb cast which includes piano maestro Chick Corea, on two selections.

"Lines Drive has a pounding tempo with Glawischnig in the background supporting longtime associates Luis Perdomo (piano) and Miguel Zenón (alto sax), both giving sizzling solos. The trio pieces "Panorama and "Oceanography with Chick Corea's still-percussive touch and fine drum expressions by Marcus Gilmore, show Glawischnig's gifted accompaniment and soloing voice, recalling the great Buster Williams.

The arrangements range from the baroque textures of "Orchids to the intense ultramodern fusion of "Gypsy Tales, one of the recording's highlights. A progressive work that features two like-minded leaders, saxophonist David Binney and guitarist Ben Monder, doing what they do best—shredding notes. But softer moments are also found in "Set To Sea where tenorist Rich Perry adds soulful notes as Glawischnig supports the melody with deep empathy.

A reflection of the many gigs and sessions in Latin music, the tune "Barretto's Way (dedicated to former employer Ray Barretto) has a spicy balero rhythm that begins and ends with Glawischnig's stunning bowed strings. Just over sixty minutes, Panorama ends too quickly with the Latin-contemp-bop piece "Rabbit Race, pointing to new horizons for a bassist of already significant merit.