Hans Glawischnig: Panorama

Bassist Hans Glawischnig was born in Graz, Austria in 1970, to an American mother and Austrian father, Dieter Glawischnig, a well-respected pianist and conductor who led the NDR Big Band for Chet Baker. The younger Glawischnig has been a New Yorker since the early 1990s and now brings his second release Panorama, following his debut recording, Common Ground (Fresh Sound/New Talent, 2001).

Glawischnig has gathered lots of work experience since his first recording, bringing nine compositions and some noted musical friends to this session. In addition to altoist Miguel Zenon, who provides a goodly share of the saxophone work, David Binney and Rich Perry are on hand, as is Chick Corea and guitarist Ben Monder. The remainder of the group is filled out nicely by pianist Luis Perdomo and drummers Johnathan Blake, Marcus Gilmore and Antonio Sanchez.

The opening track, "Line Drive," finds Zenon leading the way with bracing alto work while the rhythm section percolates. On the title tune as well as "Oceanography," Corea fills the piano chair for two trio outings, the latter based on the changes of "How Deep Is the Ocean." Corea's sense of swing is felt immediately on these compositions.

As with other opportunities, Glawischnig begins with arco bass on "The Orchids," before Zenon leads into the ballad. For "Set to Sea," dedicated to a close relative, the bassist wisely makes use of guest Rich Perry's lyrical tenor sax. As he demonstrated on Maria Schneider's Sky Blue (ArtistShare, 2007), the tenor saxophonist is fully capable of providing the same melodic qualities with this quartet as he does in front of a larger orchestra.

The fiery work of both altoist Binney and guitarist Monder let loose and dramatically change the ambience on "Gypsy Tales." On one of two guest appearances, Sanchez does a credible job of keeping up with Binney, Monder and the rest of the group with his propulsive grooves.

Glawischnig has experienced, over the past few years, an unintentional affinity for Latin jazz. Through Ray Barretto and Davis Sanchez, who saw fit to offer him work, Glawischnig gained insight into the music. On "Barretto's Way" the bassist repays the favor with a lilting bolero dedicated to the late conguero.

In addition to his virtuosity as a bassist, Hans Glawischnig shows his mettle as a composer and bandleader on this album.