JORGE ROSSY / ROBERT LANDFERMANN / JEFF BALLARD - Puerta
ECM 382 2596
Jorge Rossy (vibraphone, marimba); Robert Landfermann (double bass); Jeff Ballard (drums, percussion)
Recorded September 2020
For his leadership debut for ECM, Jorge Rossy swaps his sticks for mallets, and hands over drum duties to Jeff Ballard in a surprising and engaging set that repays close and careful attention. On paper this has all the hallmarks of a tight and swinging unit, with perhaps the expectation of a straight ahead(ish) programme that has the foot tapping. Well yes, but there is much more to the Trio and Rossy's composition than just 4/4 swing.
With Rossy concentrating on vibraphone and marimba there is a sense of space that permeates the session, and it is this space and paired down and sometimes sparse compositions that bring the three musicians together into an extremely focussed and well balanced unit. Rossy set about the recording with a deliberate intention of keeping things open and allowing all the instruments to be able to breathe. There is never the feeling that anything is superfluous to requirements, no throwaway phrases or wasted notes, just the sound of the trio, their sense of exploration texturally, rhythmically and melodically, that makes for an interesting listening experience.
If there is the feeling that the trio may burst out of the gates swinging with the opening 'Post-Catholic Waltz', everything is carefully held in check and always hinting at another route that can be taken. The alternative path is followed on pieces such as 'Adagio' that unfolds with Landfermann's bass taking the lead accompanied by gentle splashes of colour from vibraphone and drums in a rubato ballad that is quite enthralling in it's quiet beauty and organic development.
Making the most of the already unusual instrumentation, Rossy takes this a step further by introducing the marimba on 'S.T.' allowing the woody sound of the instrument full rein, giving an altogether new feel to the trio. The piece is wonderfully crafted with bass and drums taking an equal role in shaping the piece, and the delicious sense of contrast as the vibes return. This is also skilfully done on the 'Scilla e Cariddi' after another marvellous introduction from Landfermann, and most poignantly on 'Tainos' with it's delicately placed notes from Rossy's marimba, firm bass line and subtle playing from Ballard.
For those still waiting for the trio's innate sense of swing and drive, that had previously only been hinted at, to burst through then 'Maybe Tuesday' does not disappoint with the band at full tilt. A driving rhythm from Ballard, superb walking bassline and exuberant melody all abound, and is no less infectious on 'Ventana' where once again a joyous swing feel prevails and Rossy's lines flow in a sparkling solo.
This is truly a multifaceted set from Jorge Rossy, giving a tantalising glimpse of a new and original trio that are only just beginning to explore their potential as a unit. Watching their development is going to be a real pleasure.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 382 2596
Jorge Rossy (vibraphone, marimba); Robert Landfermann (double bass); Jeff Ballard (drums, percussion)
Recorded September 2020
For his leadership debut for ECM, Jorge Rossy swaps his sticks for mallets, and hands over drum duties to Jeff Ballard in a surprising and engaging set that repays close and careful attention. On paper this has all the hallmarks of a tight and swinging unit, with perhaps the expectation of a straight ahead(ish) programme that has the foot tapping. Well yes, but there is much more to the Trio and Rossy's composition than just 4/4 swing.
With Rossy concentrating on vibraphone and marimba there is a sense of space that permeates the session, and it is this space and paired down and sometimes sparse compositions that bring the three musicians together into an extremely focussed and well balanced unit. Rossy set about the recording with a deliberate intention of keeping things open and allowing all the instruments to be able to breathe. There is never the feeling that anything is superfluous to requirements, no throwaway phrases or wasted notes, just the sound of the trio, their sense of exploration texturally, rhythmically and melodically, that makes for an interesting listening experience.
If there is the feeling that the trio may burst out of the gates swinging with the opening 'Post-Catholic Waltz', everything is carefully held in check and always hinting at another route that can be taken. The alternative path is followed on pieces such as 'Adagio' that unfolds with Landfermann's bass taking the lead accompanied by gentle splashes of colour from vibraphone and drums in a rubato ballad that is quite enthralling in it's quiet beauty and organic development.
Making the most of the already unusual instrumentation, Rossy takes this a step further by introducing the marimba on 'S.T.' allowing the woody sound of the instrument full rein, giving an altogether new feel to the trio. The piece is wonderfully crafted with bass and drums taking an equal role in shaping the piece, and the delicious sense of contrast as the vibes return. This is also skilfully done on the 'Scilla e Cariddi' after another marvellous introduction from Landfermann, and most poignantly on 'Tainos' with it's delicately placed notes from Rossy's marimba, firm bass line and subtle playing from Ballard.
For those still waiting for the trio's innate sense of swing and drive, that had previously only been hinted at, to burst through then 'Maybe Tuesday' does not disappoint with the band at full tilt. A driving rhythm from Ballard, superb walking bassline and exuberant melody all abound, and is no less infectious on 'Ventana' where once again a joyous swing feel prevails and Rossy's lines flow in a sparkling solo.
This is truly a multifaceted set from Jorge Rossy, giving a tantalising glimpse of a new and original trio that are only just beginning to explore their potential as a unit. Watching their development is going to be a real pleasure.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
