Reflections

It's a strange irony that while certain jazz fans may prefer live music over the studio product, the easiest way to catch some bands live is to buy a live album. Perhaps, one might argue, it isn't the same, but the proof is in the groove (or CD bit). In the case of the Ralph Reichert Quartet, the energy from the three shows used to construct Reflections loses nothing in the transfer. Tenor Reichert is joined by pianist Buggy Braune, bassist Andreas Henze, drummer Wolff Reichert, and trumpeter Randy Sandke for vibrant set of modern jazz. While the title is borrowed from Thelonious Monk's "Reflections," the album is grounded in lengthy versions of Richard Rodgers' "It Might as Well Be Spring" and Jule Styne's "Nancy With the Laughing Face." Overall, Reflections is a rather gentle album, with the two horns providing a smooth, easygoing sound. The key to the band's approach, though, is its tendency to spin these pieces out for nine and ten minutes. This allows Sandke, Reichert, and Braune to slowly and thoughtfully develop their solos on a piece like Van Heusen's "Darn That Dream." A fine, 11-minute take on Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" brings Reflections to a fitting close. Listening to Reflections may not be the same as being there, but it's the next best thing. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi