WWhen Miles Davis led the 1948-50 sessions that became “the birth of cool jazz,” the most magical solo voice far from his trumpet was that of a little-known 21-year-old named Lee Kunitz. The alto saxophonist’s captivating work still shines as a central theme on Danish guitarist Jacob Bro’s Take Turns, which was also recorded in New York but more than 60 years later, and has been curiously kept in the ECM vaults from 2014 until now.
Bro’s reputation grew when he succeeded Bill Frisell in drummer Paul Motian’s band in 2006, a relationship that first introduced him to Kunitz, who could instantly come up with new lines for any piece of music put in front of him. Bro attributes this ability to his own understanding of how to lead an improvising band that plays composed music with ease and flow.
Here, along with Bro and Konitz, is a super-precise line-up that includes guitarist Frissell, pianist Jason Moran, double bassist Thomas Morgan, and former Cecil Taylor drummer Andrew Serrell. Black Is All Color arrives at once into delicate guitar tones, before the 86-year-old Kunitz (still six years away from his Covid-related death in 2020) emits deep, pensive vocals and breathes bright top notes, which he sustains without… A repeat of the moment over syncopated guitars and Morgan’s softly fast-moving bass. Haiti, a delicious slow shuffle, features a rare appearance by Kunitz on soprano sax; Milford Sound is a nod to Cyril’s famous contemporary Milford Graves drums that release a catchy swing under the radar. Pearl River is a lively free rhythmic swirl for all players, while hornless Mar Del Plata is a beautifully lyrical waltz that could fit seamlessly on top of Frisell’s best albums.
With its exquisite composition, simple themes, and spontaneously generated ideas, Take Turns is a minor masterpiece.
Also out this month
German pianist and former student of Brad Mehldau Benjamin Lackner Adds American frontmen Mark Turner (tenor sax) and Linda May Han Oh (bass) to familiar partners in trumpeter Matthias Ek and drummer Mathieu Czarenek on Spindrift (ECM). Melancholy, bass-studded film noir melodies mix with swashbuckling tenor/trumpet passages, and elegant, restrained piano improvisation.
On Trumpeter UK Mark KavumaMagnum Opus (Banger Factory Records), this dynamic performer and enabler works with a multi-generational array of local talent – from Mussinghi saxophonist/composer Brian Edwards to newcomers including vocalist Sahra Gure and pianist Noah Stoneman – in an exhilarating program of hard rock Pop, neo soul and influences of Mingus and Monk.
And that amazing British guitar legend Jim Mullen He takes his ever-soulful lyricism for a glorious outing with a sax-and-organ quartet on For Heaven’s Sake (Stunt Records), an exhilarating mix of soulful jazz, ballads and straightforward swing.