Florian Arbenz, Michael Arbenz, Ron Carter: The Alpine Session: Arbenz vs. Arbenz Meets Ron Carter

1937 was a landmark year: the Golden Gate Bridge opened and Edward VIII abdicated the British throne. In jazz, Billie Holiday made her debut with Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie began his recording career. It was also the year Ron Carter, the most-recorded jazz bassist in history, was born. With over 2000 recording sessions to his name, many of them on iconic albums, he could be forgiven for putting his feet up and reflecting on past glories, but that is not his style. Instead, he returns, as lithe, lyrical and lively as ever, on The Alpine Session: Arbenz vs. Arbenz Meets Ron Carter, alongside twin brothers Michael Arbenz and Florian Arbenz.

The classically-trained Arbenz brothers are pivotal figures in Swiss jazz, having collaborated with such artists as Greg Osby, Dave Liebman, Marc Johnson and Andy Sheppard. While each maintains a successful solo career, their most notable collective endeavour is their work with the trio VEIN, alongside bassist Thomas Lähns. Through eight albums, VEIN have crafted a distinctive signature, balancing original compositions with interpretations of classical works and jazz improvisation. The Alpine Session features two American songbook standards and four original compositions, three penned by Florian and one by Michael. Performing alongside one of their musical idols, the Arbenz brothers reach new creative heights, while Carter's evident enthusiasm for the collaboration infuses the recording with vitality.

The album opens with Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean A Thing," but such is the deviation from the original that pianist Michael shares a writing credit. Using melody fragments, he builds an impressive improvisation as drummer Florian keeps things brisk. Carter's solo is as nimble and string-bending as ever, before Michael returns with an intense solo in this impressive opener. The spacious slower tempo of Florian's classy composition "Alive" offers a complete contrast. His subtle percussion perfectly complements his brother's piano exploration and Carter's pliable bass.

Passion and technique combine throughout "Evolution," as the trio's shared musical language becomes a vehicle for individual expression. Michael's darting piano runs are punctuated by rhythmic shifts, with bass and drums weaving in and out in fluid interplay. This improvisational spirit also shines on "Old Shaman," where free-flowing exchanges lead to resonant, chiming piano chords before transitioning into more introspective explorations.

No one is likely to fall asleep in "Lullaby," as Florian and Carter's remarkable interplay brings fresh vitality to the familiar tune. Jerome Kern's "All The Things You Are" is bright and swinging, with Michael's fine improv dancing around the strong melody as the trio make their version distinct and vivid. The album's rippling soundscape radiates energy, with Carter driving the Arbenz brothers to ignite sparks and vice versa. Whether young or old, age is no barrier to the momentum of this impressive piano trio album.

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