PATRICK MANZECCHI - Rectilinear
Element 113
Patrick Manzecchi: drums; Richie Beirach: piano; Jens Loh: bass.
French born, German based drummer Patrick Manzecchi is the son of legendary French drummer Franco Manzecchi, and is truly one of the most tasteful, underrated players around. Though drumming as an occupation wasn’t the younger Manzecchi’s first choice, instead preferring to play them for fun as a young child, he eventually took to the instrument seriously, attempting to emulate what he heard on records. He eventually caught the attention of former Duke Ellington bassist, Jimmy Woode, who took him under his wing, and appears with the drummer on “Ready And Able” (Satin Doll Productions, 2000). Manzecchi has appeared on more than forty releases to his name, including “Out Of The Box” (LJR, 2012) an organ trio date with guitarist Jorg Enz and organist Stewy Von Wattenwyl, and the hard charging dual tenor sax quartet live date “Yoda’s Dilemma”(LJR, 2008). “Rectilinear” is Manzecchi’s new album featuring the great pianist Richie Beirach, and frequent collaborator, bassist Jens Loh.
The album features a variety of originals and classic standards, all buoyed by Manzecchi’s sensitive accompaniment. Beirach of course is best known for his long standing collaboration with saxophonist Dave Liebman and being a key member of guitarist John Abercrombie’s quartet, the subject of ECM’s terrific “The First Quartet” box set from last year. The pianist is clearly inspired by the drummer on the title track, which has been recorded many times, most notably with Jack DeJohnette. Manzecchi shows his range and command of the drums deftly balancing techniques like screeching cymbal harmonics, rubato playing and swinging episodes, never playing anything that feels out of place. Beirach’s unison left hand fifths with Loh’s bass on the well worn “On Green Dolphin Street” adds fresh dimension as do his improvisation rooted in the languages of Hancock, Tyner and Evans. Beirach is at his absolute best on a spirited rendition of Bill Evans’ “Nardis” as he revels in Manzecchi’s deep pocket swing, and Loh’s firm grounding. The pianist’s cheeky quote of Coltrane’s “Resolution” adds a sense of humor. Manzecchi’s lengthy solo finds him recalling Roy Haynes, and Jack DeJohnette amongst his vast pallette of influences, filtered through in his own voice, particularly stunning is his tonal use of cymbals, exploiting their deep wash and burnished character.
“Rectilinear” is an album that shows that Patrick Manzecchi deserves to be better known outside of European jazz circles. His taste in selecting just the right things to play behind soloists is superb, and he is inspired by his association with one of the best pianists in jazz. The album recalls the spirit of Herbie Hancock’s excellent formerly Japan only trio sessions, and Tony Williams’ final trio date “Young at Heart” (Columbia, 1997) with excellent sympathetic trio playing, and inspired looks at classic repertoire.
Reviewed by CJ Shearn
Element 113
Patrick Manzecchi: drums; Richie Beirach: piano; Jens Loh: bass.
French born, German based drummer Patrick Manzecchi is the son of legendary French drummer Franco Manzecchi, and is truly one of the most tasteful, underrated players around. Though drumming as an occupation wasn’t the younger Manzecchi’s first choice, instead preferring to play them for fun as a young child, he eventually took to the instrument seriously, attempting to emulate what he heard on records. He eventually caught the attention of former Duke Ellington bassist, Jimmy Woode, who took him under his wing, and appears with the drummer on “Ready And Able” (Satin Doll Productions, 2000). Manzecchi has appeared on more than forty releases to his name, including “Out Of The Box” (LJR, 2012) an organ trio date with guitarist Jorg Enz and organist Stewy Von Wattenwyl, and the hard charging dual tenor sax quartet live date “Yoda’s Dilemma”(LJR, 2008). “Rectilinear” is Manzecchi’s new album featuring the great pianist Richie Beirach, and frequent collaborator, bassist Jens Loh.
The album features a variety of originals and classic standards, all buoyed by Manzecchi’s sensitive accompaniment. Beirach of course is best known for his long standing collaboration with saxophonist Dave Liebman and being a key member of guitarist John Abercrombie’s quartet, the subject of ECM’s terrific “The First Quartet” box set from last year. The pianist is clearly inspired by the drummer on the title track, which has been recorded many times, most notably with Jack DeJohnette. Manzecchi shows his range and command of the drums deftly balancing techniques like screeching cymbal harmonics, rubato playing and swinging episodes, never playing anything that feels out of place. Beirach’s unison left hand fifths with Loh’s bass on the well worn “On Green Dolphin Street” adds fresh dimension as do his improvisation rooted in the languages of Hancock, Tyner and Evans. Beirach is at his absolute best on a spirited rendition of Bill Evans’ “Nardis” as he revels in Manzecchi’s deep pocket swing, and Loh’s firm grounding. The pianist’s cheeky quote of Coltrane’s “Resolution” adds a sense of humor. Manzecchi’s lengthy solo finds him recalling Roy Haynes, and Jack DeJohnette amongst his vast pallette of influences, filtered through in his own voice, particularly stunning is his tonal use of cymbals, exploiting their deep wash and burnished character.
“Rectilinear” is an album that shows that Patrick Manzecchi deserves to be better known outside of European jazz circles. His taste in selecting just the right things to play behind soloists is superb, and he is inspired by his association with one of the best pianists in jazz. The album recalls the spirit of Herbie Hancock’s excellent formerly Japan only trio sessions, and Tony Williams’ final trio date “Young at Heart” (Columbia, 1997) with excellent sympathetic trio playing, and inspired looks at classic repertoire.
Reviewed by CJ Shearn
