Search - John Stetch :: Carpathian Blues

Blues the Carpathian way !

Ozzie | Brugge, Flanders | 09/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The title-track of this album indicates it : anything can be a source of jazz inspiration, even an ancient Ukrainian folk melody ! Canadian pianist John Stetch is a jazz musician all the way (don't expect any "weird" folkish experiments on this album), but nevertheless manages to sound just that little bit different from other pianists. Even though this is most clearly a contemporary, i.e. modern jazz recording, Stetch at times almost seems to incorporate the styles of much older jazz musicians into his music, while at the same time never sounding old-fashioned or "retro". Fellow-Canadian Seamus Blake sounds like he's having a ball, blowing through this album in his by now familiar style : powerful yet elegant. Judging from his playing, ancient Ukrainian folk diddies are a perfect launching platform for a tenor saxophone player almost about to break through the sound barrier ! A set of mostly original compositions is a perfect showcase for Blake's and Stetch' talent, and the rhythm section of Jesse Murphy (bass) and Jordi (a.k.a. Jorge) Rossy are no mugs either. They are replaced by Ugonna Okegwo (bass) and Gene Jackson (drums) on 3 tracks which were recorded during a later session for this album. All instruments are very clearly recorded. Combined with the talents of all involved, this makes for a most enjoyable modern jazz recording by a leader who deserves to be better known than he is."