Kasper Rietkerk: The Island

For many musicians, releasing their first album as a leader represents the high point of their career to that point. Even though it is daunting, alto saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk takes it all in his stride, making it seem straightforward. He brings his sextet, KRSIX, top-quality guest musicians and a string quartet to the studio to record eight of his compositions for The Island. Previously, he had played lead alto in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of the Netherlands, released two albums with the Dutch group Das Sound Kollektiv, worked with Jean Toussaint and been a member of the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra.

Alongside Rietkerk's alto sax, KRSIX features trombonist Max McLeish, bassist Toby Yapp, drummer Jonah Evans, pianist Benji Bown and guitarist Alex Lockheart. Along with some guest musicians, they are also joined by a string quartet consisting of Ezo Sarici on first violin, Emily Harrison on second violin, Charlie Howells on viola and cellist Cubby Howard.

The lively opening track "Baiji" begins with funky rhythms, punchy horns and rock-style drum textures. McLeish's trombone solo takes over before Rietkerk's sax, supported by the string quartet, closes the track. "Belly Flop" takes matters to a higher platform with a string quartet introduction, pulsing piano chords and imaginative wordless vocals from guest Immy Churchill (Dave Holland, Jon Hendricks). Bown's piano solo takes over, supported by inventive drums from Evans before Rietkerk solos and Churchill joins.

Rietkerk claims the songs were inspired by his experiences during his first two years living in the UK. They must have been quite exciting, as he knows how to inject drama into his arrangements. "Dark Side" veers towards the epic at times, with McLeish and Yapp driving a rock-style rhythm. Evans shows he is as adept at rock drumming as he is with jazz and Lockheart delivers a fluid guitar solo. Reitkerk's solo is the calm in the storm. "Happened in Eridge" has melancholic sax, with Yapp excelling as varying combinations of the band support.

Acclaimed saxophonist Emma Rawicz guests in "Ship of Fools." Both saxophones glide together in the opening section. The band gently surges and releases, making a tidal motion as Rawicz brings in a new tone with a terrific flowing tenor solo. The other guest appearance is by the inventive accordionist Anatole Muster. He joins for "Roll it in Glitter." A sax melody and wordless vocals build into the first of many heady crescendos where the band combines. Muster's discerning solo shows how well the accordion can function in contemporary jazz.

Rietkerk's alto work is first-rate, melodic and capable of delicacy as well as power. There is time for another fine solo as the album ends with "Until the End." Lockheart also takes the opportunity to construct a striking guitar solo. KRSIX show energy and creativity, fully exploiting the detailed compositions and inventive arrangements in this accomplished work. Their guests bring an extra sparkle, and while debut albums may be daunting, this sounds as if they have been performing together for decades.