JEFF HERR CORPORATION - Layer Cake
Igloo IGL 259
Jeff Herr (drums); Laurent Payfert (bass); Maxime Bender (saxophone)
Recorded February-May 2013
Luxembourg born drummer, Jeff Herr will be a new name to many, but a quick glance at his CV reveals a wealth of experience playing with Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie and Candy Dulfour amongst others, along with a significant discography under his own name. In 2012 the drummer reformed and revamped the Jeff Herr Corporation with bass player Laurent Payfert and tenor/soprano saxophonist, Maxime Bender, and Layer Cake is the first recorded evidence we have of the new group.
In a nicely varied set, the trio sans harmony instrument, maintain the attention over a fifty minute set of mostly original compositions and free improvisations with some nicely structured compositions and tight rhythmic foundation that allows for some solid solos from all participants.
Out to grab the attention from the outset, the trio do so convincingly with the opener, 'The Funky Monkey' and close the set just as strongly with the title track, 'Layer Cake', another Herr composition. In between we are treated to original tunes form all three members, with all contributing interesting themes that all hang together as a unified whole.
Taking the brunt of the melody lines in saxophonist, Bender, who if slightly less assured on the soprano proves himself a resourceful soloist on the larger horn presenting his ideas with a strong yet pliable tone that is full of little inflexions that enhance the melodic contours of his improvisations. Bass and drums team up in a way that allows for their individual contributions to be clearly heard whilst providing a tight and sure foundation for the overall structure of the music, with both bringing a wonderful melodic sensibility to their respective instrument.
The improvised pieces sit comfortably alongside the composed music serving as interludes between some impressive writing. The solitary cover, a somewhat unexpected left field selection is the David Bowie song, 'The Man Who Sold The World' in which the trio dig in and relish with some of their most inventive playing on the album.
It is all too easy to overlook some fine music in the many albums and downloads that are made available, but do yourself a favour and be sure not to overlook this one.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Igloo IGL 259
Jeff Herr (drums); Laurent Payfert (bass); Maxime Bender (saxophone)
Recorded February-May 2013
Luxembourg born drummer, Jeff Herr will be a new name to many, but a quick glance at his CV reveals a wealth of experience playing with Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie and Candy Dulfour amongst others, along with a significant discography under his own name. In 2012 the drummer reformed and revamped the Jeff Herr Corporation with bass player Laurent Payfert and tenor/soprano saxophonist, Maxime Bender, and Layer Cake is the first recorded evidence we have of the new group.
In a nicely varied set, the trio sans harmony instrument, maintain the attention over a fifty minute set of mostly original compositions and free improvisations with some nicely structured compositions and tight rhythmic foundation that allows for some solid solos from all participants.
Out to grab the attention from the outset, the trio do so convincingly with the opener, 'The Funky Monkey' and close the set just as strongly with the title track, 'Layer Cake', another Herr composition. In between we are treated to original tunes form all three members, with all contributing interesting themes that all hang together as a unified whole.
Taking the brunt of the melody lines in saxophonist, Bender, who if slightly less assured on the soprano proves himself a resourceful soloist on the larger horn presenting his ideas with a strong yet pliable tone that is full of little inflexions that enhance the melodic contours of his improvisations. Bass and drums team up in a way that allows for their individual contributions to be clearly heard whilst providing a tight and sure foundation for the overall structure of the music, with both bringing a wonderful melodic sensibility to their respective instrument.
The improvised pieces sit comfortably alongside the composed music serving as interludes between some impressive writing. The solitary cover, a somewhat unexpected left field selection is the David Bowie song, 'The Man Who Sold The World' in which the trio dig in and relish with some of their most inventive playing on the album.
It is all too easy to overlook some fine music in the many albums and downloads that are made available, but do yourself a favour and be sure not to overlook this one.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
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