Maneri / Kalmanovitch / Jacobson / Osgood: Variations On No Particular Theme - Part 1

This free improvisation chamber quartet is an interesting study in bold, yet even-tempered music making. Tomo Jacobson, the Polish-born bassist now making Copenhagen his home, assembled this Europe-meets-North American cast for what appears to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Jacobson is joined by Danish drummer Kresten Osgood and two violists, the Canadian Tanya Kalmanovitch and American Mat Maneri. Jacobson and Osgood are members of the septet Moonbow, and the drummer released Tzokth Songs (Isula Jazz, 2016) along with Maneri and vocalist Maria Friis.

The genesis of this session might very well be Magic Mountain (Dahabenzapple, 2016), a five star duo between Kalmanovitch and Maneri. Assembling the two violists with a third stringed instrument, the double bass, and drums opens countless possibilities. The quartet chooses intimate sounds over the clamorous. Despite each "Variation" being instantly composed, there is a design about this music. Credit must go to the players' talents which include their ability to listen and respond to each other's direction. "Variation no. 1" may be the best example, with the quartet deferentially sharing the soundspace with Osgood's cymbal accents alongside pizzicato bass and the bowed violas. Later, when Jacobson also bows, the three voices interlace and the sounds attain a certain clarity and presence. This composure is heard throughout the five tracks.

The music is available as an LP and in a digital format.