The New York Second: Room for Other People

The New York Second is led by Dutch pianist and composer Harald Walkate, whose intricate arrangements and evocative compositions have earned him a reputation as a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz. His unique perspective is shaped by his dual expertise in music and photography, two disciplines that dance together in his work like partners in an elegant waltz. This interplay shines throughout his latest project, Room for Other People, which melds auditory and visual artistry into a unified creative statement.

The album draws inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful black-and-white photography of Vivian Maier, the enigmatic street photographer whose remarkable body of work emerged from obscurity only after her death. Maier's ability to capture fleeting moments of urban life with an acute sense of emotion and narrative finds a compelling parallel in Walkate's music. The production translates Maier's visual language into sound, offering a lush, cinematic soundscape that immerses listeners in her world of contrasts—light and shadow, anonymity, intimacy, chaos and stillness.

The album's production is meticulously crafted, with every detail contributing to its atmospheric quality as if each note were personally interviewed before being allowed entry. The ensemble—a well-curated mix of piano, brass, woodwinds and rhythm section—operates as a cohesive unit, yet each instrument retains its individuality. This delicate balance mirrors Maier's photographs, where the minutiae of everyday life are given equal importance alongside the larger narrative. Walkate's arrangements are marked by their restraint and spaciousness, allowing the ensemble's interplay to breathe and evolve naturally.

Among the standout tracks is the opener "983 Third Avenue," which artfully captures the interplay of light and darkness central to Maier's photographic style. Its harmonic subtleties and smoothly flowing horns create an evocative soundscape, reminiscent of light filtering through urban alleys—though considerably more melodious than your average New York alley. The energy amplifies during the bridge with Rob Waring's jazzy vibes and Walkate's rhythmic chord voicings and quaint embellishments as the band gleefully executes a mid- tempo swing groove via divergent breakouts.

The pianist demonstrates exceptional skill in melody composition, as many tracks include memorable themes. "Safety Service Comfort" features Mark Alban Lotz ' wistful flute lines and the hornists' simple yet tuneful choruses. The leader creates another harmonious motif during "The White Dress," supported by warm horns and velvety accents by Waring. This highlight brims with energy and movement, reflecting the pulse of mid-20th-century city life.

Perhaps the emotional core of the album lies in "Downstairs for Incoming Trains," a melancholic ballad that delves into themes of solitude and introspection, echoing Maier's haunting self-portraits with all the subtlety of a whispered confession. The simplicity of the melody, paired with Walkate's expressive piano performance, evokes a quiet yet profound poignancy. It is a piece that invites listeners to linger in its emotional resonance, much like Maier's most personal images.

This album rewards repeated listening, each encounter uncovering new layers of texture, emotion and meaning. For fans of jazz and visual art alike, Room for Other People is a notable achievement and a fitting homage to the enduring legacy of Vivian Maier.

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