Songs Of Innocence
Emp, 2025
8/10
The composer and saxophonist Patrick Zimmerli returns with his 14th album as leader, where Kevin Hays and Satoshi Takeishi are in attendance for the 5 involved selections.
Hay’s flowing keys and Zimmerli’s rich sax open the melodic climate of “60 Morningside”, and “Crow Or Dove” follows with a mesmerizing quality, as the intimate wind is met with emotive piano.
“Wedding Song” occupies the middle spot and offers a lively moment of playful percussion from Takeishi amid the animated sax, while “Dreamscape” is indeed dreamy thanks to the dense backdrop, hypnotic keys and rich delivery via Zimmerli. “Torison” exits, and is a busy, dynamic and exciting finish to a collaborative and unpredictable body of work.
An effort that isn’t short on rhythm and spontaneity, there’s plenty of classical moments and pop nods to enjoy across the modern jazz appeal.
Travels well with: BMOP- Dalit Hadass Warshaw: Sirens; Gail Archer- Dobrich: A Bulgarian Odyssey