Search - Peter Sommer :: Sioux Country

A Gem of a duo CD

Brian Whistler | Forestville, CA United States | 09/12/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know who Peter Sommer is, but I DO know who Art Lande is, and on the strength of Art being the other half of the duo, I bought this CD last night at a house concert by Art, Paul McCandless and Gunther Wegner. (They also have a superb new release, 'Hidden Jewel' a fine recording of chamber jazz.)



At any rate, I took a chance on this and am I glad I did! I haven't heard all of it, but it appears to be a fine example of the irrepressible pianist, both as master accompanist and tasty soloist. These tunes, all penned by Sommer are just the kind of jazz compositions Art can sink his teeth into, modal, a bit obtuse harmonically and occasionally as folksy as Summer's own Nebraska roots. Sommer proves to be a good match for Art's clever and heartful playing, possessing a warm, unmannered tone and a nice sense of phrasing. I haven't heard Art sound this good in a duo setting (on record at least,) since the classic ECM release, Red Lanta with Jan Garbarek. While Sommer is no Garbarek (who is?!) he has a voice all his own, which is evident both in his well crafted tunes and his expressive soloing. This one is a keeper."