Above the Clouds

Pianist Amina Figarova, a native of Azerbaijan who studied jazz in Europe and the U.S. before settling in Holland, is one of the freshest composers of her generation. A terrific player who resists the urge to overplay her hand, Figarova expands to an octet for Above the Clouds. Flutist Bart Platteau (who is also her husband), tenor saxophonist Kurt Van Herck, trumpeter Nico Schepers, and drummer Chris Strik all return, though she has added bassist Jeroen Vierdag, trumpeter Ernie Hammes, and trombonist Louk Boudesteijn. "'A' Dance" is a swirling, furious opener, much like the hustle and bustle of a big city at night. "Above the Clouds" is a lyrical ballad with lush, well-crafted voicings for the reeds and horns, while "Bedtime Story" almost whispers, with just a touch of an eerie air. The bittersweet flavor of "Summer Rain" suggests a sense of reflection and loss. Alto saxophonist Tineke Postma, who is herself a fine bandleader and composer, guests on two tracks, the buoyant "Sailing Through the Icy Waters" and the richly textured "River of Mountains (Muhheakunnuk)," which showcases Platteau on Native American flute and Boudesteijn in a colorful tribute to explorer Henry Hudson's discovery of the river that would eventually bear his name in the New World. Above the Clouds signals Amina Figarova's continuous rise to the top echelon of jazz musicians of her generation.