Looking for something fresh and challenging, yet not so removed from expectations that you can’t relate to it? Then try this CD from the highly creative German tenorist Schubert and an outstanding quartet that includes pianist Simon Nabatov and the Americans Lindsey Horner on bass and Tom Rainey on drums. This unclich d music ranges from a hard-swinging, chord-based post-bop tune inspired by the compositions of bebop pianist Herbie Nichols to a 34 minute suite comprising a variety of compositional/improvisational approaches, including straightahead blowing, free bop, and pure free jazz.
There is also a slow, out of tempo, 12-tone piece inspired by the French composer Oliver Messiaen (Rainey’s imaginative percussion work is featured here). Yet an unmistakable jazz feeling and sound persists throughout. You have to pay close attention to get all this recording has to offer, but it’s worth it.
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