Dutch drummer Han Bennink is one of the wonders of the musical world: he’s got brilliant technique to spare; played with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Dutch post-punk combo The Ex; been a mainstay in Europe’s avant jazz scene since the mid ‘60s; and performs with an absurdist flair and seemingly boundless enthusiasm regardless of context. The only thing certain about a performance or recording is that it will be a surprise (and often a good one).
This acoustic trio set has darn near got everything a most flexible-minded jazz fan may need. “Supertyphoon” is an exhilarating bit of postbop driven by Bennink’s coiled-spring, Gene Krupa-like tom-tom laden swing. “Comacina Dreamin’” has a somewhat modal, oddly meditative clarinet melody from Joachim Badenhorst while Bennink rumbles like an approaching thunderstorm. “De Sprong O Romantiek Der Hazen” is a slightly sultry Ellingtonlike ballad by Bennink’s longtime foil Misha Mengelberg, wherein Badenhorst’s bass clarinet takes on a romantically musing hue, evoking the deep/breathy-toned elegance of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster with a touch of Gerry Mulligan suavity. “Waterzooi” is a midtempo free jazz piece, which maintains a volatile mood and forward motion thanks to driving yet never overbearing drumming and cavernous bass clarinet. This album concludes with the ebullient, New Orleans-accented “Adelante 2”, Bennink cranking out rolling, percolating N’awlins rhythms like Ed Blackwell reborn and joyful bass clarinet phrases carrying hints of North African and Caribbean melodies. For those of you into standards, there’s a jolly, abstract take on “My Melancholy Baby”, Simon Toldam’s lyrical piano embodying some stride and Erroll Garner-like passages. While the trio deconstructs it, they do so with affection.
For those into free-er sounds who prefer them with humor, concision and resolutely based in the jazz verities—and fans of Bennink (who should be seen live!)—this is a keeper. Mark Keresman