The superb French/Ivory Coast drummer
Manu Katche, long a backing force on many ECM sessions, steps out on his own for the first time on this label and comes up with a gem -- with a little help from some of the ECM stars. Indeed, "Neighbourhood" is a very appropriate title, for there are several interlocking orbits of personnel within this album. For a start, the CD marks another collaboration between trumpeter
Tomasz Stanko and saxophonist
Jan Garbarek, the latter whom
Katche has been backing on and off since the early '90s. Moreover
Stanko brought along part of his Polish rhythm team, pianist
Marcin Wasilewski and bassist
Slawomir Kurkiewicz, for the session.
Michel Petrucciani is clearly on
Katche's mind, for not only is the album dedicated to the late pianist, the reflective, ardently lyrical mood of
Katche's compositions -- and
Wasilewski's piano work -- are quite reminiscent of
Petrucciani at his most relaxed. And
Katche can write; his tunes are often wistful and thoughtful, his percussive backing crisp yet subtle, carefully filling in the cracks while keeping just enough of a gentle pulse. The best of the lot, the simple angular tune of "Good Influence," grabs you by the throat, tugs at your heart, and doesn't quit the memory -- sure signs of greatness. By contrast, "Lovely Walk" kicks up the tempo behind an ostinato bass while "Take Off and Land" brings in a touch of fatback funk. If there is a single wellspring behind this music -- besides
Petrucciani of course --
Herbie Hancock's acoustic combo recordings of the late '60s come closest in terms of ambience and harmony. Call this album an inspired descendant two generations and an ocean away.