Hülsmann, Quartet Julia: In Full View

You have to hand it to ECM for putting out quality jazz recordings on an incredibly consistent basis. Renowned German pianist Julia Hülsmann's new disc In Full View continues that tradition. This time around Hülsmann leads a quartet having added Tom Arthurs (trumpet, flugelhorn) to her excellent band of Marc Meullbauer (double bass) and Heinrich Köbberling (drums).

This album is much like the cover art; very subdued and moody, with subtle shades of colours always lurking below the surface. For those unfamiliar with the ECM style, this music is not big and brash. No, this takes a more refined, introspective approach. In Full View may seem a little slow at first as these songs do have a brooding quality about them but there is much to discover between the lines. Hülsmann never seems to be in too much of a hurry letting her spacious notes linger, complimenting Arthur's superb horn work throughout the disc. The rich colours Arthurs adds to the palette cannot be understated. Picking out individual tracks is tough as they are all very good although Hülsmann's playful piano themes in "Forever Old" deserves to be mentioned. The title track as well as the spirited "Dedication" do pick up the pace so it's not all slow and languid.

Hülsmann and her band have made a fine, darkly hued jazz album, both spacious and reflective. Its slow moving themes and carefully placed notes serves to prove music doesn't always have to move fast to be richly rewarding.

Track Listing:
1. Quicksilver
2. Dunkel
3. Gleim
4. Forever Old
5. Spiel
6. Richtung Osten 7. The Water 8. Forgotten Poetry
9. Dedication
10. Snow, Melting
11. Meander
12. In Full View
13. Nana

Added: August 21st 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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