
BURKHARD REINARTZ- Eine Olive Des Nichts (ECM New Series)
Translated as 'An Olive of Nothingness', this is something of an unusual release that features poems and texts by ThomasTranströmer Adam Jagajewski and Philippe Jacottet, along with a sonic background culled from the ECM catalogue. The texts, read in German by Anja Lais, Bruno Winzen and Burkhard Reinartz have no English translation in the CD booklet and can therefore only conclude that the release is specifically aimed at the German market. I am reliably informed by a German colleague that the words are very dark and austere. What does make this release interesting is how the music is interspersed with the spoken word, drawing music from artists as diverse as Eivind Aarset, Jon Blke Nik Bärtsch, Meridth Monk, Arvo Pärt Morton Feldman, Food, Bobo Stenson and others. If the words are not understood, the inflexion and expression of the voice give an indication of the darkness of the text whilst the soundtrack will give further enlightenment, failing that there is always Google translate.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Translated as 'An Olive of Nothingness', this is something of an unusual release that features poems and texts by ThomasTranströmer Adam Jagajewski and Philippe Jacottet, along with a sonic background culled from the ECM catalogue. The texts, read in German by Anja Lais, Bruno Winzen and Burkhard Reinartz have no English translation in the CD booklet and can therefore only conclude that the release is specifically aimed at the German market. I am reliably informed by a German colleague that the words are very dark and austere. What does make this release interesting is how the music is interspersed with the spoken word, drawing music from artists as diverse as Eivind Aarset, Jon Blke Nik Bärtsch, Meridth Monk, Arvo Pärt Morton Feldman, Food, Bobo Stenson and others. If the words are not understood, the inflexion and expression of the voice give an indication of the darkness of the text whilst the soundtrack will give further enlightenment, failing that there is always Google translate.
Reviewed by Nick Lea

DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO - Symbiosis (DRV RECORDS)
This is an entertaining album of groove and funk based jazz from one of the best trombone players around. It is the second album by the trio under this name and features some great interplay between the leader, Hammond B3 specialist Ross Stanley and ex Ronnie Scott resident drummer Pedro Segundo. Their are eight originals from the band plus covers of Pink Floyds "Money" and Bett Midlers "Rose". Echoes of J. J. Johnson in a modern setting sums this one up.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
This is an entertaining album of groove and funk based jazz from one of the best trombone players around. It is the second album by the trio under this name and features some great interplay between the leader, Hammond B3 specialist Ross Stanley and ex Ronnie Scott resident drummer Pedro Segundo. Their are eight originals from the band plus covers of Pink Floyds "Money" and Bett Midlers "Rose". Echoes of J. J. Johnson in a modern setting sums this one up.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong