Kasper Rietkerk: The Happy Worrier

The Happy Worrier is the second album from saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk. Originally from the Netherlands, Rietkerk has become a firmly established figure in the UK jazz scene since completing his master's degree at London's Royal Academy of Music in 2023.

The album's creation was made possible through Rietkerk's receipt of the inaugural Brubeck Living Legacy Prize. This award honors the enduring influence of Dave Brubeck, whose legacy extends far beyond his remarkable musical catalogue to encompass his conviction that music serves as a force for education and social justice. The Brubeck family established this annual prize to continue that mission, recognizing exceptional jazz students at the Royal Academy of Music and providing them with funding to produce and release their own recordings.

The album is dedicated to the memory of Martin Hummel, the late founder of Ubuntu Music. In addition to being a highly respected and well-liked figure in the UK jazz community, Hummel was also on the panel that awarded the prize to Rietkerk. True to his nature, he offered his characteristic encouragement and support for this recording, just as he had championed countless jazz musicians throughout the UK and internationally during his career.

The nine original compositions feature guitarist John Parricelli, bassist Tom Herbert, drummer Jonah Evans and guest vocalist Rebecka Edlund, who lends her voice to two tracks. Marking a departure from The Island, Rietkerk's previous release with his KRSIX sextet, reviewed here, the album takes a more exploratory turn, focusing on space and texture. The result is a rich blend of improvisation and folk-inspired melodies.

Setting the scene, the opening track, "Lost in Glow," drifts in with a relaxed style on the back of Parricelli's delicious guitar work; Rietkerk's saxophone is light and delicate as the calm mood pervades. Herbert's bass leads in to "The Ceiling," as the core quartet listen and respond without needing to find a defined form. There is a more specific structure to "Missing Out on the Important Stuff," where the guitar weaves around the sax as they explore the melody.

The introspective mood lifts with "Blueberry Pancake." Bluesy guitar improvisation mixes with gritty sax riding atop a laid-back groove from Herbert and Evans. "Mayfly" impresses with its understated momentum, supporting excellent sax and guitar solos, making this a highlight. The gentle sax of "Nimbus" gives way to Edlund's wordless vocals on "Scream for Silence." The folk influence is strongest here and sees voice and saxophone merge with haunting subtlety.

Bass and drums build more light and effective grooves on "Tea Lights" and also on "I Don't Remember Asking Your Opinion," as the spontaneous interplay of the band comes together. The CD version of the album has an additional three tracks, including alternate versions of "Nimbus" and "Scream for Silence," the latter having further inventive vocal work from Edlund.

There is a shimmering, painterly quality to much of the album, making this a quiet, contemplative pleasure. There is nothing prescriptive; Rietkerk gives the band the freedom to balance restraint with improvisational flair. In addition to the award that made this album possible, Rietkerk was honored again in June 2025, this time in his home country, with the prestigious Next Step Award, which recognizes emerging talent in jazz and classical music. All in all, the "Happy Worrier" of the album's title has little to worry about.

Comments