Dominic Miller: Vagabond

The third album by guitarist Dominic Miller echoes the melodic, moody, romantic sounds of a Sting album without lyrics or singing. What we hear is the instrumental interplay of Miller with pianist Jacob Karlzon, bassist Nicolas Fiszman and drummer Ziv Ravitz. The comparison is not surprising as Miller has played with Sting for the last 30 years. He co-wrote one of Sting's hits, 1993's "Shape Of My Heart." Maybe, in fact, Sting's albums are really Dominic Miller records with lyrics and vocals?

The second track on the record, "Cruel But Fair," has been released as the first single. Not so unusual in these streaming days that jazz albums also have singles. The song begins with the bass and guitar prominent and the brushes on the cymbals, finally the piano comes in. Miller's guitar states the plaintive melody and then pianist Karlzon picks it up as well. If one closes one's eyes it is no stretch to imagine Sting's voice singing on top of this.

While all the compositions are credited to Miller and most songs begin with the guitar, Karlzon is featured prominently and provides much color and depth to the compositions. The fifth track, "Clandestine," features bassist Fiszman providing an ominous mood, while the piano dances.

Sound quality is pristine in keeping with the quality expected of an ECM production. The mood of the record overall is quiet and restrained, composed and controlled. The record works equally well in the early morning with coffee and a paper, and in the evening with a glass of wine.

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