Unquiet Waters
Ravello, 2021
8/10
The versatile saxophonist Nicki Roman takes up company with the pianist Casey Dierlam Tse here, and together they interpret the works of Kevin Day, Leonard Bernstein, Olivia Kieffer, Lucie Robert, Bruno Mantovani and Edvard Grieg, as the wide scope of the saxophone is explored in the pair’s very capable hands.
The title track starts the listen with swift alto sax and frisky keys interacting in playful and exciting ways that flow with an unpredictable and cinematic feel, and Bernstein’s “Sonata For Clarinet And Piano” follows with a cautious, gentle approach that also brings jumpy and bright synergy between the two instruments.
Halfway through, “Floating Bones” is solo alto sax, where the brass manipulation is both swift and intricate, as well as hypnotic and reserved, while “Cadenza” rumbles with bare beauty but is also likely to pair the keys and sax in dynamic swells of frisky co-mingling.
“Lyric Pieces, No. 6 Wedding Day At The Troldhaugen” finishes the listen on an upbeat and glorious selection, where Roman handles soprano saxophone and the setting builds into a quick, firm and commanding exit.
Roman is a member of the award winning outfit Fuego Quartet, and she takes that experience and her immense talent and brings it to these very diverse pieces and illustrate the vast tone and range of her instrument.
Travels well with: Evan Mack- The Travelled Road; Stuart Weber- Pieces Of Road