Free Spirit

Album review

Swedish saxophonist Lennart Aberg was touched by the music of trumpeter Don Cherry when Cherry lived in Sweden. This recording revisits Cherry's spirit without copying or assimilating it, but does embellish and expand it from an instrumental standpoint. Cherry's work with Peter Apfelbaum's Hieroglyphics Ensemble provides a springboard for Aberg, as for the most part you hear him leading a 15-piece band through charts that are atmospheric, a bit melancholic, and definitely Euro-centric. Special guests are picture perfect drummer Peter Erskine and lyrical trumpet soloist Palle Mikkelborg, who complement a group of Aberg's Swedish friends, including standout baritone saxophonist Alberto Pinton and pianist Daniel Karlsson. The centerpiece of the CD is a segment from Cherry's "Relativity Suite" which evokes the spirit and mountainous ambience of the Alps, with the horns speaking over white wafting clouds. Those familiar with the suite will recognize the quick 5/4 modal "Tantra," clarion calls, and mix of African, Eastern Indian and minimalism signifying "Mali Doussn'gouni" and the peaceful late-night timeless Native American ritual feel in "Desireless." "In Memoriam" and "Folkvisa" are somber, funereal, reverent, and revenant pieces featuring Aberg's poignant tenor and Karlsson's introspective piano, while "Kashmir" uses more colors from the cerebral, angelic singing horn section, no-time being used liberally. A light funk identifies "Rain" very reminiscent of a Gil Evans or Mike Gibbs arrangement, while the only small ensemble piece "Arthur" is as regal as the title might suggest, mixing meters and speeds between 7/8 & 4/4 in a neo-bop mode with Aberg's tenor skating around à la Michael Brecker, while "Amarone" is in a straight eight rhythm with distinct five beat flourishes utilizing a unison horn underpinning, approaching Baroque timbres. The dynamics between high and low-end woodwinds throughout is breathtaking, and Erskine is at his usual very high level. This is an intriguing and provocative project, which deserves universal attention.

© Michael G. Nastos /TiVo