Meinhart, Tobias: Silent Dreamer

There were lots of great jazz discs released in 2017 including the latest from saxophonist Tobias Meinhart titled Silent Dreamer. He released his debut album Natural Perception a couple years back which I didn't have the pleasure of hearing. After listening to his sophomore effort I am certainly going to check it out.

Joining Meinhart are:

Ingrid Jensen (trumpet and effects on tracks 1,5,6,7,8,9)
Charles Altura (guitar on tracks 2,3,4)
Yago Vazquez (piano, Rhodes)
Phil Donkin (bass and electric bass on tracks 1,5,6,7,8,9)
Orlando LeFleming (bass on tracks 2,3,4)
Jesse Simpson (drums)
Justin Carroll (synthesizer on tracks 1,7)

Silent Dreamer is an excellent jazz/rock fusion CD with fantastic ensemble musicianship and great melodies bristling with creativity. The solos scattered throughout these nine tracks are incorporated into the songs seamlessly giving these tracks enough meat on the bone to satisfy any listener. While all the players are vital to the band's sound, the drums of Simpson in particular stand out and propel these tunes with substantial power, at times merging into rock music. Combine that with the finesse that jazz commands and you have an exceptional talent. That said, there are no weak links here and of course the Meinhart's sax work along with Jensen's trumpet cannot be ignored.

"Fighting Your Fears" begins the disc with gentle piano and drums. Instruments are added as the music gains loudness with excellent sax and trumpet. The rhythm section is quite powerful here adding rock elements to the song's elaborate jazz construction and the piano solo is both creative and compelling. "Letter of Intent" begins with quiet Rhodes piano and strains of moody sax and sparse drums. The song gains momentum culminating in liquid-like lead guitar and an intense build towards the end. The title track is another melding of rock and jazz with excellent sax and a jam-like sound. The guitar solo is once again stellar. That is just a taste of what this album has to offer.

Silent Dreamer is an exceptional work of modern jazz not afraid to push the boundaries into other realms. Highly recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Fighting Your Fears (5:35)
2. Letter of Intent (4:52)
3. Silent Dreamer (5:49)
4. Mariana's Dream (5:46)
5. Can't Say Enough (1:42)
6. Equality (6:06)
7. Ghost Gardens (6:52)
8. Purple Space (4:38)
9. Simple Beauty (6:11)

Added: February 15th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1317
Language: english

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