Label: ECM Records

Personnel - Mark Turner: tenor saxophone; Mathias Eick: trumpet; Benjamin Lackner: piano; Linda May Han Oh: bass; Matthieu Chazarenc: drums.

German pianist and composer Benjamin Lackner assembled an outstanding quintet for his ECM sophomore album, Spindrift. Norwegian trumpeter Mathias Eick returns after appearing on Lackner’s debut album, Last Decade (2022), while American saxophonist Mark Turner and bassist Linda May Han Oh join as exceptional new contributors, enriching Lackner’s understated compositions with their nuanced artistry. French drummer Matthieu Chazarenc, a longtime collaborator, rounds out the group and contributes one piece to the album.

Lackner’s compositions are precisely mapped out, becoming quietly enveloping and lavishly unhurried, yet never elevated to exalted heights. There are moments of radiant beauty, like the title track, “Spindrift”, which transitions from a rubato meditation to a 7/4 rhythmic flow over which Lackner and Turner stretch out in a sheer display of finesse and delicacy.

Other highlights include Chazarenc’s spacious “Chambary”, where the horn players swoop around in tandem in a well-wrought delivery, and “Fair Warning”, which leans into enigmatic tones, built on nuanced bass pedal points and piano suspensions that provide a churning backdrop for the soloists.

Airiness and feather-like touches compose the soaring “Mosquito Flats”, introduced by tender pianism and buzzing bowed bass. Eick leads the way before dancing in unison with Turner’s saxophone, later trading a few bars of improvisation before rejoining forces and concluding in harmony. “More Mesa” retains the same melancholic introspection, weaving effortless, lyrical melodies with classical influences in the piano work, while the pseudo-cinematic “Murnau” feels more dolefully dramatic than figuratively expressionistic.

Anchored by its sensitive, subtle palette, Spindrift may not always feel exciting. It’s undoubtedly competent material whose subdued nature may leave one wishing for more intensity.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Spindrift ► 04 - Chambary ► 07 - Fair Warning

Label: ECM Records, 2022

Personnel - Benjamin Lackner: piano; Mathias Eick: trumpet; Jérôme Regard: bass; Manu Katché: drums.

Commanding a sound-sculpting acoustic quartet that favors an intimate ambiance, the German-American pianist Benjamin Lackner fully realizes his intention of getting out of his comfort zone - the piano trio - without obscuring his musical personality. On his new album, Last Decade, the melodies are usually entrusted to Norwegian trumpeter Mathias Eick, while the French rhythm section of bassist Jérôme Regard and drummer Manu Katché provide all the necessary support.

Portraying a serene setting, “Where Do We Go From Here” tells an affectionate story with sentimental melody. This slow-moving piece is followed by “Circular Confidence”, whose type of narrative have sonic elements colliding with technical ability, bringing to mind the successful association between pianist John Taylor and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. On this one, Katché mounts the alluring rhythm with a graceful control of the kit, also excelling with brushes on “Hung Up on that Ghost”, a sort of suspended, agreeable dream where the ensemble takes full advantage of the song’s rich harmonic sequence. Lackner injects motifs and ideas, fusing them with inside/outside discernment, while Eick puts his range and phraseology on display. This calm flow turns into a mix of sad and elegant descriptions during the title track.

Prior to the beautiful solo bass effort that is “Émile” - penned by Regard in dedication to his son - we have “Open Minds Lost”, underpinned with sturdy bass notes that show the way with a clear harmonic sense. The coloration of the piano, the melody and the rhythm confirm that the four musicians are on the same page.

Last Decade is a work leaning on reflection and emotional growth, where one can feel the group’s strong connection. This should be obvious even if you’re not in the mood for inward cogitation.

Favorite Tracks:
04 - Hung Up on that Ghost ► 07 - Open Minds Lost ► 08 - Émile