French drummer Manu Katché has had quite a busy career, performing with top acts such as Peter Gabriel, Jeff Beck, Al Di Meola, Tears For Fears, Eurythmics, Simple Minds, Dire Straits, Jan Garbarek, Manu Chao, Loreena McKennitt, Youssou N'Dour, Robbie Robertson, Joan Armatrading, Joe Satriani, Tori Amos, Richard Wright, Kyle Eastwood, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Sting. That's quite an impressive list he's amassed, and somehow he's found the time in his busy schedule to squeeze in this wonderful little self-titled solo album for ECM Records. Also featuring Jim Watson (keyboards), Nils Petter Molvaer (trumpet, loops), and Tore Brunborg (sax), this latest solo release comes across as a real band effort, filled with majestic playing, haunting melodies, and lots of groove.
Behind all the songs are the solid & nimble beats and grooves from the drum virtuoso, but he allows both Molvaer & Brunborg plenty of room to soar and deliver sumptuous melodies. The tapestry of colors laid down by Watson also need to be pointed out here, especially on the lovely "Imprint", which is a smoldering, slow burner with lovely piano textures and sultry melodies from Molvaer & Brunborg. "Bliss" is just that, as the four create some compelling arrangements, and the musicians deliver the jazz-fusion goods on the intricate "Beats & Bounce" and the fun "Walking By Your Side". The drummer's nimble yet understated fills are constantly a joy to hear, as he drives the music in a subtle way allowing for his bandmantes to inject the right amount of colors and textures.
Enjoyable stuff from start to finish, Katché and his cohorts can he very proud of the work that obviously went into putting this one together. The drummers ability to craft memorable songs that feature not only catchy melodies but also expert instrumentation needs to be commended. A very solid & enjoyable jazz release from the folks at ECM that need to be on your radar when it releases next month.
Track Listing
- Running After Years
- Bliss
- Loving You
- Walking By Your Side
- Imprint
- Short Ride
- Beats and Bounce
- Slowing the Tide
- Loose
- Dusk on Carnon
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