This live recording documents a band that included at the time tenor saxophonist
Tony Malaby (substituting for
Ellery Eskelin, who appeared on the two previous studio sessions), bassist
Drew Gress, and drummer Phil Haynes in addition to bandleader
Gebhard Ullmann. The musicians revisit familiar material to create a compelling and well-balanced program. The two frontmen trade fours in outstanding fashion with the backing of a stellar rhythm section.
Ullmann alternates on bass clarinet, tenor, and soprano and tends to be the edgier of the two reed players, but
Malaby's broader tone is just as remarkable.
Ullmann is at his best when he feeds off an equally talented soloist, and
Malaby happens to be a perfect foil with his quiet assurance and wonderful sense of counterpoint. Listing all the highlights of this set would be tedious, but a few deserve a mention. The exchange of pops and skronks that enlivens "Kreuzberg Park East showcases the musicians' high spirits and "Farbiges Lied" features some intricate and jaw-dropping dialogues.
Gress gets a good share of space to execute solos imbued with tension, while Haynes is constantly attuned to the two saxophonists' jagged lines and displays a high level of creativity. This consistent effort, which also benefits from an immediate sound, comes highly recommended. ~ Alain Drouot