There is a somewhat less exuberant tone than usual on some of the pieces by this wonderfully fluid Dutch trio. Perhaps it is a maturation that has ensued, but the results are no less enticing nor intoxicating. There is the usual mix of tunes: a Berlin piece; several originals; a medley of Lacy, Jobim, and Moore, along with "Turkey in the Straw"; a Johnny Mercer standard; Hoagy Carmichael's "Baltimore Oriole"; and so on. While Clusone's many admirers will want this recording (and they will not be disappointed), it is probably not the best introduction to the group, due in part to the slightly brooding ambience on portions of it. The all-star personnel -- Michael Moore on alto sax, clarinet, and melodica; Ernst Reijseger on cello; and Han Bennink on drums -- never fails, with consummate musicianship the norm. There are no concessions to commercial considerations, and Bennink and Reijseger are in particularly fine form, with the latter pursuing thoughtful, liquid lines. Moore's soft, contemplative clarinet is always a treat. - Steve Loewy
Tracks
1. Medley 1·Pippistrello/Rollo II/Tinglit/I Am an Indian Too (Bennink/Berlin/Mengelberg/
Reijiseger)
2. It's You (Lee Konitz)
3. Medley 2·Bella Coola/The Peacocks (Bennink/Reijseger/Rowles)
4. Medley 3·Duck/O Pato/Turkey in the Straw (Jobim/Lacy/Trad)
5. Medley 4·My Bird of Paradise/I Never Had a Chance (Berlin/Mercer)
6. Medley 5·Le Cygne/A Velho Pedro/Marie Pompoen (Douglas/Moura)
7. Baltimore Oriole (Carmichael/Webster)
ERNST REIJISEGER cello
MICHAEL MOORE alto saxophone, clarinet, melodica
HAN BENNINK drums
Recorded March 21, 1998 by the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation P2 at Kilen, Kulturhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
hatOLOGY - hatOLOGY 554 Switzerland