Clarinetist
Theo Jörgensmann has to be counted among the handful of consummate modern improvisers on his instrument. His playing evinces a brooding quality, devoid of overt sentimentality, yet he carries a hard bop aesthetic forward to engage modern harmonies and concepts of freedom. Intervallic leaps, technical virtuosity, and melodic invention are all elements in his improvisations. Here, he performs nine pieces (two are powerful alternate takes) written by members of his quartet, which includes
Christopher Dell on vibes, Christian Ramond on bass, and Klaus Kugel on drums. There is a somewhat limited palette to the whole that the fine performances cannot always overcome. An overall somber hue, a touch of pessimism even, but nonetheless some wonderfully pensive moments ensue. ~ Steven Loewy