Givers & Takers
Berthold, 2022
8/10
The saxophonist, composer, bandleader and scholar Timo Vollbrecht brings his long running ensemble to these very rich tracks that documents the dynamic interaction between the 4 musicians during a studio session while on a 12-date tour.
“Pau” opens the listen with Vollbrecht’s soulful and warm brass alongside Elias Stemeseder’s twinkling piano in the stirring climate, and “Move” follows with a charming dreaminess that benefits much from quivering sax and atmospheric synth thanks to Stemeseder.
Further on, “Midwood” showcases Dayeon Seok’s agile drumming amid Vollbrecht’s hazy sax prowess, while “Brighton Blues” is a more textured affair that welcomes Keisuke Matsuno’s spirited guitar work that complements the moody brass and light drumming.
The title track lands near the end, and emits a timeless and meticulous version of jazz that’s mature and melodic, and “Your Body” exits the listen with a busy meshing of acoustic versus electronic sounds that are as adventurous as they are memorable.
These songs were essentially birthed on the road and honed on the stage, and it sure does make an impression with its delicate moments versus sci-fi friendly electronica which cultivates a post-rock tinted jazz listen that’s highly original.
Travels well with: Hal Galper- Ivory Forest Redux; Trio Xolo- In Flower, In Song