Manu Katche – Neighbourhood (2005) [Qobuz 24bit/96kHz]

Manu Katche – Neighbourhood (2005)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96kHz  | Time – 00:54:52 minutes | 1,01 GB | Genre: Jazz
Official Digital Download – Source: Qobuz | © ECM Records GmbH
Recorded: March and November 2004, Rainbow Studio, Oslo

Neighbourhood is an astounding, if subdued, meeting of minds. Like other ECM projects of its ilk, this congregation feels as if it arose out of a fundamental and inescapable desire to create music for the sheer enjoyment of it. There is no showing off here. This is laid back, burnished, melt-in-your-mouth jazz perfect for a quiet evening or a rainy afternoon. That being said, this is a far cry from what might elsewhere derogatorily pass for “smooth.” In spite of its overall delicacy the album is not without solid grooves (how can we not bob our heads to the piano-driven ride that is “Number One” or to the swinging horns of “Take Off And Land”?), effectively concise solos (cf. Garbarek’s gorgeous outburst in “Good Influence” and titillating turns from Wasilewski and Stanko in “Lovely Walk”), and enough stellar moments overall to turn any depressing day into a blissful mental excursion. The ensemble plays us out beautifully with “Rose.”
As the brainchild of Manu Katché and producer Manfred Eicher, Neighbourhood is essentially a rhythmic enterprise. Katché’s percussion work provides the crowning motifs to which his compatriots are each a shining jewel. Multiple listenings reveal new nuances of texture and interaction every time. A very fine but impermeable thread connects these musicians and Katché never dominates, waiting in the wings as his motifs take shape of their own volition. The title of the sixth cut says it all: “No Rush.” Take your time with this one and it will reward you greatly. Just press PLAY and you’re there.

The superb French/Ivory Coast drummer Manu Katche, long a backing force on many ECM sessions, steps out on his own for the first time on this label and comes up with a gem — with a little help from some of the ECM stars. Indeed, “Neighbourhood” is a very appropriate title, for there are several interlocking orbits of personnel within this album. For a start, the CD marks another collaboration between trumpeter Tomasz Stanko and saxophonist Jan Garbarek, the latter whom Katche has been backing on and off since the early ’90s. Moreover Stanko brought along part of his Polish rhythm team, pianist Marcin Wasilewski and bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz, for the session. Michel Petrucciani is clearly on Katche’s mind, for not only is the album dedicated to the late pianist, the reflective, ardently lyrical mood of Katche’s compositions — and Wasilewski’s piano work — are quite reminiscent of Petrucciani at his most relaxed. And Katche can write; his tunes are often wistful and thoughtful, his percussive backing crisp yet subtle, carefully filling in the cracks while keeping just enough of a gentle pulse. The best of the lot, the simple angular tune of “Good Influence,” grabs you by the throat, tugs at your heart, and doesn’t quit the memory — sure signs of greatness. By contrast, “Lovely Walk” kicks up the tempo behind an ostinato bass while “Take Off and Land” brings in a touch of fatback funk. If there is a single wellspring behind this music — besides Petrucciani of course — Herbie Hancock’s acoustic combo recordings of the late ’60s come closest in terms of ambience and harmony. Call this album an inspired descendant two generations and an ocean away. -AllMusic Review by Richard S. Ginell

Tracklist:
1 November 99 5:58
2 Number One 6:10
3 Lullaby 6:08
4 Good Influence 4:56
5 February Sun 4:42
6 No Rush 5:49
7 Lovely Walk 6:14
8 Take Off And Land 3:59
9 Miles Away 4:07
10 Rose 6:11

Personnel:
Jan Garbarek saxophones
Tomasz Stanko trumpet
Marcin Wasilewski piano
Slawomir Kurkiewicz double-bass
Manu Katché drums, percussion

Download:

https://filejoker.net/06pnyc5hq9t4/mqs.link_ManuKatcheNeighb0urh00d2005Q0buz2496.part1.rar
https://filejoker.net/j7i4hhk7fp6e/mqs.link_ManuKatcheNeighb0urh00d2005Q0buz2496.part2.rar