BENJAMIN LACKNER “Spindrift”

ARTIST

Benjamin Lackner

ALBUM TITLE

“Spindrift”

LABEL

ECM

______________________________________________________________

Brad Mehldau was right to take on the role of mentor to Benjamin Lackner. We last discussed the German-American pianist in the October 2022 issue of Musica Jazz, on the occasion of the release of Last Decade, his striking debut for Manfred Eicher’s label. Lackner, who studied not only with Mehldau but also with Charlie Haden, spent over twenty years in California and New York before returning to Berlin. He is best known for his trio projects, yet Spindrift finds him leading a quintet – an expansion of the quartet heard on the previous album. With the exception of trumpeter Mathias Eick, however, the lineup has been completely renewed: long-time collaborator Matthieu Chazarenc replaces Manu Katché on drums, the impeccable Linda May Han Oh replaces Jérôme Regard on bass, and the addition of tenor saxophonist Mark Turner – one of the most refined and intelligent voices on his instrument today – proves decisive.

Even more than on Last Decade, Lackner avoids any temptation toward soloistic display, assuming instead the role of director and composer. He economizes on solos, placing emphasis on harmonic depth and group interaction. Of the ten tracks, nine are his originals – the exception being the charming Chambary by Chazarenc – chosen from an archive of more than a hundred sketches. “I wrote the piece, recorded a demo version the same day, and then let it rest for a week before deciding whether to keep it. As we approached the session, the list grew shorter. In the end, I came to the studio with about twenty pieces,” Lackner explains.

The result is a form of meditative jazz that reveals itself gradually, growing more persuasive with each listen. Nothing is forced, everything is finely balanced. At the center are the dialogues between Eick, with his warm and velvety tone, and Turner, whose oblique lines combine rigor and imagination in ways few contemporary saxophonists can match. Supported by the subtle textures of piano, bass, and drums, their interplay shapes a sound world that is cohesive, understated, and quietly compelling.

—Ivo Franchi

DISTRIBUTED BY

Ducale

LINEUP