NICOLE JOHÄNNTGEN & JACK DeSALVO - Lumens
Unseen Rain Records UR9925
Nicole Johänntgen (saxophone); Jack DeSalvo (guitar)
Recorded n.d
I have been completely bowled over by this album since it arrived for review a few weeks ago. A real gem of a recording by two musicians that I had not previously encountered, but whose compatibility and empathy seemingly knows no bounds. German born saxophonist, Nicole Johänntgen has an extensive discography under her own name and various groups including saxophone, trombone, drums and sousaphone with her New Orleans Street Band for the 21st century. Johänntgen studied for her Masters in Stroudsburg, USA under the tutelage of Dave Liebman. Her co-conspirator for Lumens is guitarist, Jack DeSalvo, a veteran of the US music scene ha has played pop and rock music as well as his studies in jazz and classical music. A former Berklee student, he is also well versed in George Russell's 'Lydian Chromatic Theory of Tonal Organisation'.
The music produced by the two is a source of endless creativity. Whether playing original compositions or moving away from the themes and improvising more freely, the music weaves an often hypnotic spell in a genuine two way dialogue. Opening with the lyrical title track ('Lumens' comes from the Latin word lumen which means light) and the delicate 'Es Guete Morge Lied', the tone is set for some exquisite duets. DeSalvo's guitar playing has a relaxed manner that ensures that nothing is rushed and is a perfect foil for Nicole's expressive alto sound. Whether playing sotto voce or utilising freer extended techniques and multiphonics the saxophone has a fragility and vulnerability that is immediately appealing.
If the lyricism of the shorter and more pre-composed pieces have a charm of their own then it is fair to say that the duo totally own the two longer and more exploratory tracks. 'He Never Said A Word' begins with DeSalvo's repeating riff which is quickly joined by Nicole's quietly disarming alto. With her lines becoming increasingly longer and more urgent the improvisation builds in intensity over the next ten minutes. Pure melodic improvising that is mesmerising. Equally as good is 'Reappearing Sun' which follows a different path. More fragmented phrasing from guitar and saxophone gradually pulling together as the two musicians unite with a common thematic thread that develops sure footedly to its logical and inevitable conclusion.
This stunning album closes with DeSalvo's finely wrought 'Instance' and Nicole's beautiful 'Hand In Hand' returning one again to that delicately spun lyricism that radiates the sheer joy of music making. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Unseen Rain Records UR9925
Nicole Johänntgen (saxophone); Jack DeSalvo (guitar)
Recorded n.d
I have been completely bowled over by this album since it arrived for review a few weeks ago. A real gem of a recording by two musicians that I had not previously encountered, but whose compatibility and empathy seemingly knows no bounds. German born saxophonist, Nicole Johänntgen has an extensive discography under her own name and various groups including saxophone, trombone, drums and sousaphone with her New Orleans Street Band for the 21st century. Johänntgen studied for her Masters in Stroudsburg, USA under the tutelage of Dave Liebman. Her co-conspirator for Lumens is guitarist, Jack DeSalvo, a veteran of the US music scene ha has played pop and rock music as well as his studies in jazz and classical music. A former Berklee student, he is also well versed in George Russell's 'Lydian Chromatic Theory of Tonal Organisation'.
The music produced by the two is a source of endless creativity. Whether playing original compositions or moving away from the themes and improvising more freely, the music weaves an often hypnotic spell in a genuine two way dialogue. Opening with the lyrical title track ('Lumens' comes from the Latin word lumen which means light) and the delicate 'Es Guete Morge Lied', the tone is set for some exquisite duets. DeSalvo's guitar playing has a relaxed manner that ensures that nothing is rushed and is a perfect foil for Nicole's expressive alto sound. Whether playing sotto voce or utilising freer extended techniques and multiphonics the saxophone has a fragility and vulnerability that is immediately appealing.
If the lyricism of the shorter and more pre-composed pieces have a charm of their own then it is fair to say that the duo totally own the two longer and more exploratory tracks. 'He Never Said A Word' begins with DeSalvo's repeating riff which is quickly joined by Nicole's quietly disarming alto. With her lines becoming increasingly longer and more urgent the improvisation builds in intensity over the next ten minutes. Pure melodic improvising that is mesmerising. Equally as good is 'Reappearing Sun' which follows a different path. More fragmented phrasing from guitar and saxophone gradually pulling together as the two musicians unite with a common thematic thread that develops sure footedly to its logical and inevitable conclusion.
This stunning album closes with DeSalvo's finely wrought 'Instance' and Nicole's beautiful 'Hand In Hand' returning one again to that delicately spun lyricism that radiates the sheer joy of music making. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
