Piotr Wojtasik - trumpet
Francois Theberge - c melody saxophone, soprano saxophone
Nicolas Simion - bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, taragot
Michel Donato - double bass
John Betsch - drums
Colors (2005)
Very much like his previous recordings described on this blog ("Lonely Town" and "Hope") "Colors" may be best described as post bop. Rooted deeply in tradition of music created 50 or 60 years ago, conservative for many (me among them) but technically played on the highest level. A bit emotionless for my taste. A bit too predictable. But I cannot deny that there are great skills behind it. Not surprisingly as trumpeter Piotr Wojtasik is a virtuoso and teaches trumpet at Wrocław Music Academy. As for his partners in this project there are not from first ranks but are picked very carefully.
Francois Theberge is French saxphonist who loves (imitates perfecly?) old jazz in presnt times. His album recorded with Lee Konitz being hommage to this great musician is highlight of his carreer. Bassist Micheal Donato was partner of Theberge on couple of projects but mostly works on local Candadian scene. Occasionally he collaborated with some significant musician from the neighbouring United States as in years 1972-3 when he was member of Oscar Paterson Trio. Reedist Nicolas Simion comes from Romania and is one of the most important figure in improvised music in his country (as Wojtasik in Poland) though almost completely unknown abroad. Finally, American drummer John Betsch, honestly otherwise unknown to me, in his bio he boasts collaborations with Dewey Redman, Marylin Crispel or Steve Lacy. Sounds good and I wish I knew better this albums to be able to say more about him.
Summarizing, these guys know really well how to place notes in time. If lacking somehow in freedom, openness and spontaneity (though occasionally present) this recording componsates it in beauty of carefully chiselled sound.
Track listing: 1. Up's And ; 2. Journey to Kafarnahum; 2. Time of Life on the Earth; 3. Yosakoy Love Song; 4. Tambour Minor; 5. Sweets
By Maciej Nowotny
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