Marius Neset - Circle of Chimes album review: cycles, patterns, rhythms - and stellar playing

Marius Neset, Circle of Chimes, ****, ACT

Circle of Chimes
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Artist: Marius Neset
Genre: Jazz
Label: ACT

Rather than displaying his extraordinary technical ability at every opportunity, young Norwegian saxophonist Marius Neset has shown admirable restraint, releasing a series of recordings on the ACT label that emphasise composition and the virtues of ensemble playing.

Circle of Chimes is another sidestep, a meditation on music as a series of interlocking cycles, patterns and rhythms that diverge and converge. To realise his vision, the Copenhagen-based saxophonist puts together a small orchestra that includes Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke and Phronesis pianist Ivo Neame.

But don't worry, when the solos start, Neset steps up with the fluency of a saxophonist who has absorbed the lessons of Michael Brecker and Chris Potter and is planting his own, distinctive flag on the European musical landscape. mariusneset.info

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a musician, writer and director