Ullmann, Gebhard
Why Play Jazz?, 2019, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 25.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Avant Garde
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 81
O’s Notes: Composer, tenor saxophonist and bass clarinetist Gebhard Ullmann assembles a quintet with Steve Swell (tb), Julian ArgÙelles (b-sax), Pascal Niggenkemer (b) and Gerald Cleaver (d) for his latest endeavor. While he claims to marry modern jazz and contemporary writing techniques, he lists Archie Shepp, Albert Adler and Charles Lloyd as inspiration, leading us to expect more of a free jazz improv set. And yes, these are“Impromptus and Other Short Works“with brass harmonies and free flowing improvisation including the requisite squeaks and squawks. The abundance of talent makes this concept a winner for Avant Garde fans.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
