Polylemma

Jazz | Aug 2011

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2011-08-28
JOE HERTENSTEIN, et al.: Polylemma
Red Toucan, 2011

AVANT-GARDE – This well-balanced quartet features an unusual bass clarinet / trumpet combination and a relaxed, open-ended sound. The material is challenging but approachable, sliding back and forth between intricately composed and freely improvised sections. Everyone plays creatively, but Hertenstein’s drums are a standout. You’ll have to listen close, though: these guys like it quiet.

Joe Hertenstein : drums
Thomas Heberer : trumpet
Joachim Badenhorst : bass clarinet
Pascal Niggenkemper : bass

Fo’s Picks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

1. 3:56 – open rhythm condenses into a slumping stroll, interwoven lines
2. 6:11 – very quiet & slow: drums rustle softly amidst long tones, mutterings
3. 5:16 – melody passed around, speeds up under solos, amorphous ending
4. 6:12 – structured improv vignettes, bubbling quietly against agitated drones
5. 6:02 – quiet urgency, falls into rolling drum solo, furtive bass/drum duo
6. 6:09 – climbing interplay, slides forward at an odd angle, briefly floats away
7. 8:07 – wide open: short phrases interact, slow friction, simmering sections
8. 3:59 – 12-tone row hopscotches into walking jazz groove, cool bass solo

[ Fo ] - August 2011

Recent airplay

Sugar's Dilemma
RebopOct 25, 2011
Nupeez
No Cover, No MinimumOct 21, 2011
One Ocean At A Time
RebopOct 18, 2011
Crespect
Memory SelectSep 28, 2011
Sugar's Dilemma
razor's edgeSep 16, 2011
Nupeez
Memory SelectSep 14, 2011

Charting

2011-08-28 — 2011-10-30 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Oct 30 1
Oct 23 2
Oct 2 1
Sep 18 2
Sep 4 2

Track listing

1. Polylemma
2. Garden
3. Sugar's Dilemma
4. Stratigraphy
5. One Ocean At A Time
6. Crespect
7. Banners N' Bubbles
8. Nupeez