Vinsent Planjer: Warm to the Touch

Warm To The Touch is a triumph for Dutch percussionist Vinsent Planjer, displaying his talents as both a drummer and a composer. The album is a testament to his ability to blend intricate rhythms with evocative melodies, creating a listening experience that is both captivating and comforting. Each track offers a unique perspective on the themes of warmth and touch, inviting the listener to explore the rich textures and emotional depths of Planjer's music. Whether one is a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Warm To The Touch is an album that should resonate with the listener long after the final note has faded.

The album's unique approach lies in its focus on intimacy. Planjer intentionally creates connections between his percussion and other instruments, often in duets or trios. Each track becomes a delicate dance conversation between different musical voices. The result is a prolific tapestry of sound that invites listeners to lean in and feel the warmth of these musical dialogues.

On "Tantalus," Celia Garcia-Garcia's piano takes center stage. The haunting melodies evoke a feeling of longing as if reaching for something just out of grasp. Planjer's percussion amid bells, cymbals, and other implements adds depth and urgency, veering into linear theme-building during the bridge. "The Western Lands" highlights Liza Ferschtman's classical violin motifs with improvisational narratives amid Planjer's use of musical blocks with dark cymbal swashes that create a sense of vastness, as if we are traversing zigzagging landscapes, with the percussion acting as our guide.

Teus Nobel's trumpet shines on "Rolling for the Crown." The interplay between trumpet and percussion, including Tatiana Koleva's deft marimba textures, is a dynamic element with tricky unison choruses.

"Even Closer" is the lyrical closing track that brings us full circle. Rembrandt Frerichs' piano and Planjer's percussion intertwine, drawing us closer to the heart of the album.

Planjer's insistence on a certain degree of improvisation from each musical partner adds spontaneity and freshness. It is the skills of the top players in Dutch classical music and jazz who join him on this adventure. It is an intimate and innovative musical journey that invites us to listen closely, feel the connections, and appreciate the warmth of shared creativity. Jazz enthusiasts, classical music lovers or those simply curious about boundary-pushing collaborations should all find the album well worth exploring.

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