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​SARAH ELGETI QUARTET - Dawn Comes Quietly

Gateway Music 
www.sarahelgeti.com


Sarah Elgeti (ts, f, bcl); Soren Birkelund (cl); Alexander Kraglund (vn); Marianne Ceacillia Eriksen (bar); Nils Raae (ky, har); Anders Krogh Fjelsted ( b); Henrik Holst Hansen (d) Sidsel Storm (v) 
Recorded Copenhagen, Denmark. No dates listed.




This is a programme of music I would describe as gentle hard bop if that’s not an incompatible description. Ms Elgeti begins her recital with Magical Thinking, a medium tempo opus where she overdubs tenor, flute and bass clarinet together. She then moves into a bass clarinet solo followed by one on flute. Most of the tracks here feature her on tenor or flute although she appears most comfortable and inventive on the latter instrument. The music is comprised of ballads and medium tempo compositions, most of them composed by Ms Elgeti and the pieces with vocals are her words too. Where To? Is sung by Sidsel Storm who has a bright, clear voice and a smooth delivery although I would not describe her as a jazz singer. Autumn is another attractive vocal with strong backing by the band.


Introspection features Ms Ericson on baritone and she also plays duets with Sarah playing flute. Together they engage in some strong collective improvisation. Gather Courage is a slow ballad with lyrical contributions from the leader, Nils Raae and bassist Fjelsted . The bass man has a big, warm tone and takes several solos throughout this programme. The final track is a sombre ballad with a winsome vocal from Sidsel and the supporting musicians supporting sympathetically. This music is mostly slow or medium tempo, rarely any faster but has plenty of inventive solos, a variety of sound colours and is ideal for relaxed or late night listening.


Reviewed by Derek Ansell

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