Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Michiel Stekelenburg 5: Layers
Michiel Stekelenburg 5: Layers
ByThe strumming is followed by the insistent odd-meter ostinato of "Spudneck," then the ballad "The Nephilim." Trujillo sings on the long saxophone line of the theme, and the leader turns in a lyrical guitar solo. "Slowpoke" earns its title by the long, slow build over the course of the piece: this is a band that can hold back when necessary. "Viñales" (presumably taken from the name of a small Cuban town) features acoustic guitar layered with electric guitar, and a subtle Latin feel.
The aptly named "Jazzz" gives the group a chance to swing in an alternating section with walking bassTrujillo and Stekelenburg blow hot on this one. "Morning Song" showcases the saxophone again, with an exciting solo over the closing vamp. The previously mentioned "Letter To Missouri" closes the album on a chamber jazz note. Acoustic guitar and Bakker's bass play a duet, which is eventually joined by an overdubbed electric guitar solo: a lovely, low key ending.
An excellent, varied set of contemporary jazz. Stekelenburg shines as composer and guitarist, and his fine band never fails to deliver. I look forward to hearing more from all of them.
Track Listing
024; Spudneck; The Nephilim; Layers; Slowpoke; Viñales; November; Jazzz; Bloom; Morning Song; Letter To Missouri.
Personnel
Michiel Stekelenburg
guitarMichiel Stekelenburg: guitar; Efraim Trujillo: sax; Jeroen Van Vliet: piano; Guus Bakker: bass; Pascal Vermeer: drums.
Album information
Title: Layers | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Zennez Records
< Previous
Steve Coleman and Five Elements at Al...
Next >
Intenso!
Comments
About Michiel Stekelenburg
Instrument: Guitar
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To