Hans Glawischnig: Panorama

Since moving to New York in 1992, the Austrian upright bassist has found a certain musical niche, having recorded and gigged with such Latin-jazz veterans as Bobby Sanabria, Paquito D’Rivera and the late Ray Barretto. But he is also steeped in straightahead, following apprenticeships with Bobby Watson, James Moody and the late Maynard Ferguson.

On his debut as a leader, 2003’s Common Ground (Fresh Sound/New Talent), Glawischnig showcased his considerable chops on an open-ended blowing session. This time out he emphasizes his compositional skills on such intriguing vehicles as “Line Drive” (which shifts seamlessly from 3/4 to 5/4), the beautifully evocative, chamberlike number “The Orchids” (which features Glawischnig’s flawless arco work), the gorgeous ballad “Beneath the Waves,” the uptempo modal burner “Rabbit Race” and the frantic fusion offering “Gypsy Tales,” which is brimming with demanding, angular unison lines executed with uncanny precision by an accomplished quintet.

Joining Glawischnig on this ambitious outing are young drummers Antonio Sanchez, Jonathan Blake and Marcus Gilmore and such potent soloists as alto saxophonists Miguel Zenón and David Binney, pianist Luis Perdomo and guitarist Ben Monder. Special guest Chick Corea, whom Glawischnig toured with during the summer of 2006 as part of a worldwide celebration of Mozart’s 250th anniversary, appears in a piano-trio setting (with Gilmore on drums) on the affecting title track and “Oceanography,” a clever and swinging extrapolation on the jazz standard “How Deep Is the Ocean.” Glawischnig also pays tribute to his former mentor on “Barretto’s Way,” an alluring bolero which opens with more virtuoso arco work by the gifted bassist.

Originally Published April 1, 2008