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Kathrine Windfeld Sextet: Aldebaran
ByWindfeld, who has collaborated with artists of the calibre of Immanuel Wilkins, Mike Stern, and Gilad Hekselman, has composed and arranged the eight tracks on the album. Joining her are Hannes Bennich on alto and soprano saxophones, trumpeter Tomasz Dabrowski, tenor saxophonist Marek Konarski, bassist Johannes Vaht and drummer Henrik Holst Hansen.
The album begins with Windfeld's piano vamp on "First Speech." As the others join, it is apparent that her skills for large ensemble arrangements have been carried over into the smaller format. The horns surge and eddy in waves around her melodic piano, leading to some fine solos in a terrific opening track. Saxophones and trumpet build a sense of urgency and tension in the title track. In the smaller setting, Windfeld's piano has more prominence, her melodic solo sets up Bennich and Konarski's inventive contributions.
The subtle ballad "Burnout" changes pace with gentle piano, brushwork and gently swaying sax phrases. "Jupiter" features a complex rhythmic structure, with the opening drama showing the way to Vaht's expressive bass solo. Urgent piano and thrashing drums then lead to a sparkling climax with Bennich, Konarski and Dabrowski trading phrases.
Dabrowski's trumpet is impressive on the moody "Sea Window" as it floats along with neat interplay, revealing more with each listen. Hansen and Vaht (both members of Windfeld's big band) provide a solid rhythmic drive for the improvisations on "Offroad Excursions." Windfeld brings European classical compositional ideas into the poetic and gently swaying "Letter to Lviv" as the horns intertwine to close the album.
Offering intensity, subtlety, fine solos and precise sextet playing, this album overflows with creativity and refinement. Windfeld revels in the freedom and flexibility that the smaller band format brings. She will inevitably have comparisons with Maria Schneider, but she has a distinctive voice both in her arrangements and in her piano style, which succeeds in standing out while remaining in harmony with the others.
Track Listing
First Speech; Aldebaran; Burnout; Jupiter; Sea Window; `Holding On To Gas Ballons; Offroad Excursions; Letter to Lviv.
Personnel
Kathrine Windfeld
pianoTomasz Dabrowski
trumpetHannes Bennich
saxophone, altoMarek Konarski
saxophoneJohannes Vaht
bassHenrik Holst Hansen
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Marek Konarski: tenor saxophone (1-8); Hannes Bennich: alto and soprano saxophone (1-8).
Album information
Title: Aldebaran | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Stunt Records/Sundance Music
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About Kathrine Windfeld
Instrument: Piano
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