Weidner, Christian: The Inward Song

German alto saxophonist and composer Christian Weidner was born in 1976 in Kassel. His first album for Pirouet Records was entitled Choral, released in 2004. His brand new album The Inward Song is one of the most interesting jazz recordings I have heard the past few months. Playing alongside Weidner are Colin Vallon (piano), Henning Sieverts (bass) and Samuel Rohrer (drums). This music is as melodic as it is unpredictable and because of that it is hard to categorize. Weidner's saxophone embellishments are a thing of beauty as he is a fabulous player. His fellow musicians are no slouches either as this is outstanding ensemble playing from the first note to the last. The band is able to keep the listener guessing as the music suddenly stops or turns abruptly, twisting and turning in unexpected directions. I suppose that is why I enjoy this album so much; it is a riveting listening experience.

Although there are many wonderful melodies here one of the more challenging songs is the ambitious "Relief" where busy drums and piano are seemingly in contrast to the other instruments. The pace slows and quickens throughout the song before the great build up at the end suddenly stops, akin to hitting a brick wall. For some stellar drum and bass check out the melodic "Penta", or if you prefer something more avant-garde "Lyra" should do the trick with its chaotic drumming and wild bass lines. The pace slows with the absorbing "Psalm" starting with classy piano and sax where the subtle crashing of cymbals serves to heighten the drama.

There are no bad cuts here and in fact the album may get stronger near the end. In "Drawn Ones" African tribal drumming and a great bass line sets everything in motion building in intensity into a tremendous wall of sound before melodic saxophone rises out of the chaos. Another interesting track is the spacious "Ave" where the piano notes are struck with an unabashed intensity and the saxophone keeps everything in balance. The album ends on a calmer note with the title track and "Poem For Ada (Reprise)" where the melody is the main focus.

2010 had some outstanding jazz releases and The Inward Song can be added to the list. Excellent stuff.

Track Listing:
1. St. Paul (2:25)
2. Abendlied (6:05)
3. Relief (6:05)
4. Penta (4:23)
5. Lyra (2:23)
6. Psalm (4:43)
7. Poem For Ada (6:42)
8. Drawn Ones (6:40)
9. Ave (4:48)
10. The Inward Song (6:09)
11. Poem For Ada (Reprise) (1:38)

Added: January 23rd 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 2170
Language: english

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