New Release by Loren Stillman and pianist Russ Lossing. Canto, available digitally through Bandcamp.

Amongst all the machine-linked metaphors used in the history of large groups in jazz, that of Alban Darche’s Gros Cube (literally “Big Bike”) is unusual, but absolutely perfect for describing this brand new band. It can purr, snore, or roar in turn; it can even gleam and sparkle, but it never goes over the top. The impression it leaves is less one of a Formula 1 engine than that of a gleeful ballet of bikers out for a good time, swept along in a masterly choreography. Alban Darche succeeds in inventing the most improbable combinations of instruments out of the strictly classical instrumentation of the typical Big Band; he’s constantly putting sections together then dismounting them, as if it were all a musical meccano and he’s a child “screwing” the new sounds together with his particularly gifted hands.
Each of the 17 members of the band – all soloists – seems galvanised into action by a strong sense of liberty, thanks to the roaring breakaways the coherent and spectacular orchestration allows them. As for the collective harmonised parts, they all show an outstanding “vocal” quality that is virtually unknown in current instrumental jazz.
Gérard ARNAUD

RUSS LOSSING - METAMORPHISM

January 5, 2021
Label: Sunnyside Records, 2021

Personnel - Russ Lossing: piano; Loren Stillman: alto and soprano saxophones; John Hébert: bass; Michael Sarin: drums.

The authoritative lyricism of pianist/composer Russ Lossing is recognizable on this new quartet effort in which he pairs down with bassist John Hébert and drummer Michael Sarin to form a highly sensitive rhythm section. The underrated saxophonist Loren Stillman completes the group, offering his idiosyncratic melodicism, resignation and full allegiance to Lossing’s compositional intentions and immersive moods.

The complex attributes of the opener, “Three Treasures”, allow us to find hidden emotional depth amid the dancing Eastern-tinged melody and sultry harmonic sequences. The four musicians promptly show to be in full control of their instruments, managing to excavate groove from the off-kilter ambiance. Sarin’s rhythmic drive and Hebert’s droning tenacity are notably effective in the back, while, for the most part, Lossing becomes the melodic force at the fore. The latter’s comping also reveals responsive interaction when Stillman steps forward.

“Sojourn” is an old sleek piece whose polyrhythmic motif and odd tempo make it soar as if it had no ground. The group rides it with grace, especially Stillman, who infuses his playing with a Konitz-type of vibe.

Lossing dedicates two pieces on the album to a pair of mentors and influences. If the achingly beautiful title track, “Metamorphism”, was written for drummer Paul Motian, seeking deep emotions and emanating tranquility while evoking the latter’s atmospheric jazz, “Blind Horizon” is an evocative portraiture of the genius pianist Andrew Hill delivered with incantatory melancholy. The harmonic colors pulled out by the solo piano intro are exquisite, and the tune unfolds gracefully and gradually with a circling piano figure, sizzling brushwork, agreeing bass lines and heart-rending soprano articulations. It then segues into a piano improvisation that cleverly integrates a mix of explicitness and haziness.

Developed from an improvised idea originally recorded with a MIDI keyboard, “June Jig” completely transfigures this atmosphere by imposing a more expansive, funky procedure promoted by Hébert and Sarin. The bandleader only comes in at a later time, interacting with Stillman over a swinging rhythm section.

Relying on the tenderness and charm with which is performed, “Mai” features a bass discourse sandwiched between saxophone and piano statements, while “Pileatus”, agreeing on a fleet, playful and iterative idea, directs the spotlight to the drummer.

Lossing continues to compose with as much astuteness as intricacy, and these eight tunes keep reflecting his singular voice.

New Release: Christoph Irniger, Open City

After the acclaimed albums Gowanus Canal (2012) and Octopus (2015), Christoph Irniger and his trio with bassist Raffaele Bossard and drummer Ziv Ravitz present Open City: extended by the American alto saxophonist Loren Stillman and guest Nils Wogram on trombone. Familiar with the jazz tradition, the extended trio makes an up-to-date musical statement. With playful wit and melodic inventiveness, the ensemble, which is oriented towards song structures, combines arrangement and improvisation to form a harmonious and seductive musical statement. "They are not only eminent technicians, they are also adept at interplay, like sleepwalkers. With Loren Stillman and Nils Wogram Christoph Irniger's trio creates music which unites intelligence and passion, timeless yet up to date," writes Manfred Papst in the liner notes.