Songs, Hymns And Ballads: Volume 1
Fresh Sound New Talent, 2022
8/10
Listen to Songs, Hymns And Ballads: Volume 1
The bassist and composer Jakob Dreyer brings along Jason Rigby (tenor sax), Jon Cowherd (piano) and Jimmy MacBride (drums) for these 8 well executed jazz tunes that introduce us to his very exciting talents as bandleader.
“Milchstrasse” starts the listen with soulful brass and playful drumming, as much elegance and warmth enters the equation, and “Gothamburg” follows with much focus on the acrobatic drumming, where graceful piano adds much beauty.
Elsewhere, the infectious energy of “Epistemology” bounces and shakes with swift and dynamic musicianship, while “J-Song” places much emphasis on the strategic bass lines in the dreamy album highlight.
“Kaspar” and “The Cure” exit the listen, where the former flows with a very modern jazz flavor thanks to the charming sax, frisky drums and stunning bass prowess, and the latter spotlights Dreyer absorbing bass manipulation amid sophisticated sax and poetic keys.
Dreyer has been a sideman on over 20 releases, and this first listen as bandleader is a superb and timeless outing that thankfully has a sequel, too.
Travels well with: David Binney- Tomorrow’s Journey; Steve Shapiro- Plan To Be Spontaneous