Where Is There (Enja)
Myriam Alter
Released October 26, 2007
All About Jazz The Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969
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About:
After academic studies in psychology, working in an advertising agency and running a dancing school, Belgian composer Myriam Alter at 36 returned to music, her first love. She studied with the likes of John Ruocco and Hein van de Geyn, formed her own jazz band in Belgium and subsequently recorded two albums as a pianist/leader. In 1997 she made her first international album, “Alter Ego”, on which she fully concentrated on composing original music while leaving the musical performance to others. “Alter Ego” was considered “a candidate for the record of the year” by German magazine Jazz thing.
With her next album, “If” (ENJ-9451 2), Myriam Alter found her personal musical language that “truly expresses what I am and where I come from”. An unmistakable amalgam of tango, classical, oriental and jazz elements, “If” was a big success among listeners for its melodic charms and tender feelings. The album received excellent ratings everywhere (Stereo: CD of the month, Stereoplay: Audiophile CD of the month). The Gazette read: “World music and jazz blend beautifully in this poetic CD, driven by the music of Belgian composer Myriam Alter. 10 originals that fuse her Judeo-Spanish background, with its Arabic influences and life-affirming Mediterranean spirit, and the sultry melancholy of Argentine tango in a jazzy framework. Five stars.”
Alter’s new album, “Where Is There”, just starts off where “If” ended. “The most important thing when I fix a band is the general sound I want to get,” says Myriam Alter. “This helps me to decide which instruments I want. Then I look for the best musicians to play my music.” This time her choice was Jaques Morelenbaum, the great Brazilian cello player who so beautifully combines an authentic samba feeling with a chamber music’s intimacy. A living legend in MPB, Morelenbaum has worked with such as Marisa Monte, Carlinhos Brown, Caetano Veloso, Egberto Gismonti and many others. His rich tone and improvisational talent, assisted by Ruocco’s warm clarinet and Bonafede’s tasteful piano voicings, generated an album that makes one’s dreams fly away on Myriam Alter’s heartfelt melodies and moving rhythms.
Track Listing:
1. Was It There (Myriam Alter) 04:40
2. Still in Love (Myriam Alter) 06:22
3. Come with Me (Myriam Alter) 07:23
4. In Sicily (Myriam Alter) 06:55
5. I’m Telling You (Myriam Alter) 07:58
6. It Could Be There (Myriam Alter) 04:46
7. September 11 (Myriam Alter) 08:04
8. Catch Me There (Myriam Alter) 03:56
Personnel:
Jaques Morelenbaum: cello
John Ruocco: clarinet
Pierre Vaiana: soprano sax
Salvatore Bonafede: piano
Greg Cohen: bass
Joey Baron: drums
Recorded on August 13 & 14, 2007 at Studio Zerkall, Germany, by Walter Quitus
Mixed and Mastered by Walter Quitus and Matthias Winckelmann
Produced by Pierre Vaiana and Matthias Winckelmann
Cover Photography by Jason Scott
Design: Brey Graphics
Review:
If there was ever an “under-the-radar quiet thriller” this is it. Myriam Alter is a pianist and composer who herself doesn’t play on the album, but assembles a stellar cast, including the Masada rhythm section with Greg Cohen on bass, and Joey Baron on drums and percussion. The rest of the band includes piano, soprano saxophone, clarinet and cello. Where is There is a suite of tango-based jazz where you can almost see the dancers. “What is There” opens with a joyous, swirling melody that is light and exultant, reflecting love and fun wrapped in harmonious pursuit. The more delicate and somber “Still in Love” follows with John Ruocco’s plaintive, longing clarinet. “Come With Me” features subtle soloing on clarinet, cello and drums, with a magical, edge-of-your-seat rhythm. “Sicily,” like most of the songs, starts dreamily, setting the mood, and then gradually accelerates its pace to a slow, passionate groove. “I’m Telling You” opens with a delicate piano and cello dance, then kicks into low gear with an impossibly tender and sinuous clarinet solo followed by a sensuous tango on piano.
Alter wears her heart on her sleeve, but always takes both the deepest, and most elevated path to her heart’s desire. “It Could Be There” opens with a plaintive cello, moves into a joyous dance on soprano sax, then cello again, trading passionate solos until they are fully entwined. “September 11” opens with a mournful clarinet, then a stately piano soliloquy followed by a heart-breaking cello recital by Jaques Morelenbaum. The finale, “Catch Me There,” resonates from another dimension, merging with Cohen’s joyful dance on bass, followed by celebratory woodwinds and percussion and a triumphant cello flourish. I’m not exactly sure where Where is, but the journey to get There is thrilling, indeed.
Robert Middleton (All About Jazz)
