Mareike Wiening: Reveal

Mareike Wiening is a German drummer/composer who began her career in New York, and now divides her time between there and Köln, Germany. On her third album, she continues making music with her New York-based working band, an increasingly rare situation in contemporary jazz. It provides her an opportunity for more compositional experimentation with each release. "Time for Priorities" begins abstractly, a duet between drums and guitarist Alex Goodman's spacey electronics, before introducing the swinging theme and the rest of the band.

"Choral Anthem" has a thoughtful rubato head worthy of its title, and introduces guest trumpeter Dave Douglas for the first of his three appearances. The arrangement makes effective use of the additional horn, including a lengthy call and response with saxophonist Rich Perry. The composition is notable for featuring the entire band conversing freely, with no spotlighted soloists.

The title tune brings Douglas back for a solo turn, followed by Goodman and pianist Glenn Zaleski. It is also a potent reminder of how hard this band can swing. "Encore" opens with a lyrical solo from double bassist Johannes Felscher before shifting to Perry's tenor saxophone. The sole cover version is an interesting choice: "Balada," composed by 19th-century Romanian composer Ciprian Porumbescu. Wiening seems to have a special affinity with the piece because it fits right in with the flow of the album. The album closes with the delicate waltz "The Girl by the Window," which offers space for Zaleski's piano as well as Douglas' trumpet.

Reveal once again demonstrates Wiening's skills as a drummer, composer and bandleader. She leads a terrific band that only gets better with each new album. Long may they run.

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