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Reviewed: Mingus Big Band | Jacob Christoffersen | Yannick Benoit | Das Rad | Jazz In Norwich

Mingus Big Band: The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions Vol. 2 (Candid Records CAN3346)

Since 1991, the Mingus Big Band, formed as an extension to Mingus Dynasty, has become something of a jazz institution with its residences in New York and appearances around the globe. The commitment to all things related to the composer and bassist is to be admired, as is the longevity of the band given the constant personnel changes inevitable in over 40 years of life.

The latest release, currently only available as a download, maintains the high standards which we have come to expect from the MBB, no matter the personnel, although no full listing of musicians is supplied. One of the few things we do know is that Charles’ son Eric can be heard adding his voice to the slightly eccentric The Clown. This disc follows up the 2022 Centennial Sessions, issued to celebrate one hundred years since Charles’ birth, although it could well be argued that every MBB release could be regarded as a celebration.

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What we have here is a mixture of those often revisited compositions such as Peggy’s Blue Skylight, New York Sketchbook and Pithecanthropus Erectus, rubbing shoulders with the less celebrated Farewell Farwell and GG Train. The ensembles are tight knit when necessary but looser when the music commands – needless to say the solos are equally impressive.

Jacob Christoffersen Trio: A Good Day (Storyville 101 4362)

The Christoffersen group consists of pianist Jacob on piano, Thomas Fonnesbaek (bass) and Rasmus Kihlberg (drums), all veteran stalwarts of a Scandinavian scene which for many decades has turned out a string of hugely talented musicians.

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The music consists of 11 originals penned by the leader, joined by a couple of outsiders. The latter include Danny Boy, a tune so many jazz musicians seem to have embraced. It’s given a sensitive solo reading by the pianist, who avoids many of the directions the tune implies. 

In fact, as the programme unfolds, it becomes apparent that Christoffersen has an impressive ability to take differing routes. He’s doing convincing blues choruses one moment, rolling out some funky lines the next and never afraid to employ his considerable technique. The obvious empathy between the threesome allows the music to raise above the mundane, giving real life to the originals, all of which have commendable charms.

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In a market place overrun with piano trios, this CD should be given due consideration by those who favour the format.

Yannick Benoit Quartet: Le Repere (Welcome Home)

Recorded in 2023, this is a debut on disc for saxophonist Benoit, a musician frequently found appearing at Parisian clubs in addition to his teaching post at one of the city’s conservatoires. He cites Pharoah Sanders and J.D. Allen as principal influences, with the former clearly discernable in his phrasing.

The 11 tracks are freshly minted options from the leader’s own hand, with him on tenor saxophone throughout apart from on Didgeridoo, when he also employs that less than expressive instrument for effect.

He chose a piano-led trio of local musicians for his baptism, who support his fairly relentless attack to good effect. If his approach is uncompromising then that in itself gives him style, but a little more shading would not go amiss. This new face on the recording scene might release something of lasting substance in the future.

Das Rad: Funfair (Discus Music 180CD)

It’s probably safe to say that given the experimental nature of the music Discus produces, jazz purists would never rush to experience any of its releases. This, the fifth recording from Das Rad, will please them even less, offering a stylistic smorgasbord more akin to prog-rock than jazz. This is one for open ears, with prejudices suspended.

Apparently all the tracks, which include two medleys, were recorded live in a studio, then treated to some judicious editing and technical wizardry to give us a finished article that mainly consists of multi-layered textures. These aren’t necessarily mellifluous but constantly demand attention in their boldness. Electric keyboards and mellotron are important to the overall results.

Yes, there are rock rhythms but often the pulse of the music is collectively dictated by the five group members, not necessarily by invasive bass and drums (though the latter do come into their own on the pacier items). One review of a previous Das Rad album suggested there were strands of psychedelia in the mix and that element can be heard on the ethereal One Star Away, carried along by the voice of Peter Rophone, a major contributor to the band, whether delivering lyrics or wordless vocals.

Apart from the singer, the major solos come from the ringing guitar of Nick Robinson, an exciting performer when in full flow, and Discus boss Martin Archer, supplying some of the jazzier moments on various reed instruments against a dense backdrop.

Your reviewer approached this CD with trepidation but came out unscathed by the experience, courtesy of a group of musicians on an adventurous path.

Jazz in Norwich

Worthy of a brief mention is the Norwich Jazz Club, which has been putting on live gigs in and around the City of Norwich since the 1990s. Recent events, taking place in the Maddermarket Theatre Bar have included the excellent Nigel Price Trio and the duo of Alan Barnes and David Newton. Both evenings elicited music of the highest standard, well received by the enthusiastic patrons, who in October will have populated the main auditorium for the visit of the Simon Spillett Big Band, delivering its take on the music of Tubby Hayes. All jazz followers in the east of England should make themselves aware of the fine music to be experienced under the auspices of the NJC. Its programme can be found on its website – https://norwichjazzclub.co.uk.

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