Remembering Those Who Were

Jazz with strings albums are often sleepy affairs, as the arrangers hired are not really compatible with the featured jazz soloist. But Jesper Thilo, a Danish multi-reed player, who has recorded and played with his share of visiting American jazz greats, in addition to having an extensive discography of his own, works with fellow countryman pianist/arranger Ole Kock Hansen (spelled by pianist Olivier Antunes on some tracks) in this impressive collection of memorable charts. Primarily known for his big-toned, melodic tenor sax, Thilo invites obvious comparisons to Ben Webster with his playing on lush ballads like "Ghost of a Chance" and Coleman Hawkins in his powerful take of the brisk bop favorite "Donna Lee." But he has a few tricks up his sleeve: Thilo switches to clarinet for the dreamy setting of Benny Golson's warm tribute to Clifford Brown, "I Remember Clifford," while he proves equally effective on soprano sax in the Brazilian favorite "Dindi." Forget the stereotypes about jazz with strings and take time to investigate this rewarding CD by Jesper Thilo.