Saxophonist Ed Harlow has a gorgeous tone, lodged somewhere between the lilt of Paul Desmond and the muscular passion of Johnny Hodges and imbued with the sex appeal of Stan Getz. Guitarist Mitch Seidman works out of a sort of Brazilian Joe Pass style, and bassist Todd Baker and drummer/percussionist Take Toriyama are a finely meshed, simpatico rhythm section. The results of this eleven-tune gem are thoroughly tantalizing.
The title refers to the different attitude brought to the studio for two very separate sessions. The first six tunes feature the above named quartet on Harlow originals. From the opening gentle lines that set up "Empty V", it's apparent that Harlow is a warm and personable player. This is intimate, enticing music. "Wet Silk" again demonstrates the great appeal of this tenor man. His tone is fat, warm and intricately played, much like Sonny Rollins' balladry. "Hawaii" has a lushness that fits the rainy island beautifully and suggests shades of Coltrane in the body, and "Summer's End" has a melancholy that speaks well to the theme.
The second "view" was recorded previous to the first set by two years. Drums are absent, and in their place is the pliant, expressive voice of Pernille Aidt, a woman born to sing jazz classics. There is more than a hint of Flora Purim in Miles Davis' "Four," which benefits from new lyrics penned by Ed Harlow. This is an exciting tune on a number of levels, from the sax and guitar solos to Ms. Aidt's superb handling of the composition. The following take on Michel Legrand's "I Will Wait For You" is beautifully delivered. Lennon & McCartney's "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is given an almost Annie Ross-style take. The pace is slowed significantly for a breathtaking version of the classic "My One and Only Love." The closing version of "You Must Believe In Spring" is the sort of performance that would break down the Grammy nomination doors if it were on an established record label. This is hands down one of the most impressive jazz discs of last year and comes highly recommended from these quarters.
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