With
Live at Copenhagen Jazzhouse, Scandinavian reedsman
Petter Wettre showcases a jazzier side to his music than what was featured on The Mystery Unfolds, his previous trio recording. Then again, the rhythm section is not the same.
Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten and
Jarle Vespestad have been replaced by bassist Anders Christensen and drummer
Anders Mogensen (the latter of the avant jazz group
When Granny Sleeps). The music still has the avant wit and challenging funk that seem to be
Wettre's trademarks, but the album has a mellower feel. His saxophone playing is less jagged. Softer on the ear, it loses a bit of identity but remains charming in a
Charlie Parker vein. His bass clarinet work is still pretty much sleazy -- he bends notes in a unique way and attacks the mouthpiece with obvious pleasure. "Bad Hair Day," first released on The Mystery Unfolds, is given a smooth reading introduced by an extended double bass solo. "Sweet on You" also remains on the softer side of post-bop. Its strong melodic contents make it stand out. "Geronimo," "Catch," and mostly "Kosher" push avant jazz very close to fusion rock, thanks to complex time signatures and the kind of harnessed craziness that makes some of
John Zorn's and
Jean Derome's jazz music so exciting. That said,
Live at Copenhagen Jazzhouse is not as tight and lively as its predecessor. ~ François Couture