Jakob Bro: Pearl River

Sometimes, finding a good jazz record is a bit like fishing: either you catch something or you don't. The search is always on for that particular phrase, beat or tune that will transport the mind to a state of bliss: the state called jazz.

Coming across an album like Pearl River seems like a lucky find. Like finding a pearl in a river. But there's more than plain luck involved in the case of Danish guitarist Jakob Bro. For a long time, Bro has been a leading figure on the blossoming Danish jazz scene. His many credentials include work with the acclaimed group Beautiful Day and trumpeter Jakob Buchanan, but most of all Bro is known internationally as a member of Paul Motian's band.

Pearl River is the third release from Bro as a leader, finding him in excellent company with drummer Motian, bassist Ben Street and saxophonists Mark Turner and Chris Cheek. The four players achieve a high level of interaction and melodic sophistication. It is remarkable to notice how Bro has developed his own lyrical style with slight inspiration from Bill Frisell, John Abercrombie and Jim Hall.

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