Jazz

The latest Jazz CDs reviewed

JIM HALL & BILL FRISELL
Hemispheres ArtistShare****
The guitar duets on the first CD of this double, recorded in five sessions over six months, have a beguilingly reflective and absorbing intimacy. Without forsaking his uniquely textural approach, Frisell shifts closer to Hall's more conversational lines. The blend with-contrast adds lustre to the luminous explorations of All Across the City, Bags Groove, the folklike Family, Waiting to Dance(which
transforms a plaintive wallflower into an elegant waltz), Monica Jane, a remarkable free improv
( Migration), and Dylan's Masters of War- two gentle, unassertive, lyrical masters in deep communion. On the second, post-duets CD they are joined by Scott Colley (bass) and Joey Baron (drums) for a one-day session. Though it doesn't reach the level of their colloquies (and includes a couple of dispensable free improvs), the session produced a lovely I'll Remember April, Beija Florand, above all, a gorgeously impressionistic Chelsea Bridge.
www.artistshare.com RAY COMISKEY

MICHAEL MANTLER
Concertos ECM*****
Composer-trumpeter Mantler sets his soloists - himself, Bjarne Roupé, Bob Rockwell, Pedro Carneiro,
Roswell Rudd, Majella Stockhausen and Nick Mason - in seven concertos with the superbly pliant
Kammerensemble Neue Musik Berlin conducted by Roland Kluttig. The concertos, titled respectively
(for the instrument involved) Trumpet, Guitar, Saxophone, Marimba Vibe, Trombone, Piano
and Percussion, combine classical discipline with improvisation. As for the ensemble-soloist dialogue, it's worth bearing in mind that both Mantler's and Rudd's improvised contributions were added later, and that the Carneiro and Stockhausen pieces are, apparently, throughcomposed. Nevertheless, the album has a consistent authorial voice throughout, as well as a satisfying sense of a journey completed in
each, especially Piano, Marimba Vibe, Trumpetand Guitar. And the writing, like the performances, is compelling. www.musicconnection.org.uk RAY COMISKEY

DENA DEROSE
Live at Jazz Standard Volume Two MaxJazz***
Most singer-pianists are either singers who play piano, or pianists who happen to sing. Derose is so
good at both that she could carve a solid career at either. In the context of her longtime working band with Martin Wind (bass) and Matt Wilson (drums), she delivers beautifully paced singing on such ballads as I Can't Escape from Youand the duo take (with Wind) on I Fall in Love Too Easily. Or she can combine both her talents to seamless effect on a rare little gem such as The Ruby and the Pearlor We'll Be Together Again, and follow the poised, authoritative vocals with solos that any mainstream/bop pianist would be happy to call their own. The trio itself is a tight, relaxed and
swinging group, as it proves on the instrumental In Your Own Sweet Way, or stretching out after the
vocal on Detour Ahead. Celebrating craft, not boundary-stretching, is the name of the game here.
www.maxjazz.com RAY COMISKEY