Manu Katche' - Neighbourhood
Artist: Manu Katche'
Title: Neighbourhood
Label: ECM
Catalog Number: 602498698150
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
Rarely do jazz drummers receive wide-spread acclaim, especially as band leaders. Among others, the likes of Chick Webb, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams are notable exceptions to this maxim. Enter drummer Manu Katche’, one of ECM’s most recent debut artists. Katche’, born in France, summons an international cast that includes Norwegian Ian Garbarek (tenor saxophone), and fellow Polanders Tomasz Stanko (trumpet), Marcin Wasilewski (piano) and Slawomir Kurkiewicz (double-bass).
Neighbourhood opens with November 99, a track where Kurkiewicz’s haunting notes contrast with Wasilewski’s melodic accoutrements. As an introductory track, the pensive tone may suggest the disc is reserved, pensive. To the contrary, November 99 is only a prelude, albeit a good one, to Katche’s energetic style. Number One, quickly dispels any notion that Neighbourhood is a laid-back, sleepy production. Garbarek’s signature robust tone provides a caffeine-induced rush that is complimented by Katche’s precision-timed beats. While Stanko largely remains in the background, his long notes accent an already toe-tapping journey. However, it is Wasilewski’s lines that give this track its sensitivity, passion and grace.
Lovely Walk, at least initially, is just what it suggests. Most of the track walks along at a moderate pace until Garbarek and Stanko increase the intensity, and oh do they do that well! Garbarek’s solo precedes Stanko’s and, perhaps, the intention is to turn the fire up prior to Stanko’s incendiary notes. Katche’ provides crisp beats and well-time accents along the way and what began as a leisurely stroll has become an inflamed sprint thanks to the three of them.
One of the barometers of a great drummer is being unobtrusive, yet very much present and significant to the overall sound. Billy Higgins mastered the art of recognizing that when not to play can be even more effective than knowing when to play. Similarly, Katche’ skillfully chooses his space and time particularly on tracks such as Take Off And Land, Good Influence, and Rose .
Neighbourhood is a strong contribution not only to ECM’s vault, but to the music world, once again demonstrating jazz has no geographical boundaries. And, considering the inclusion of Stanko and Garbarek, Katche’ couldn’t miss. Overall, Neighbourhood is catchy, fresh, and demonstrative that drummers should not be relegated to the periphery.
Track Listing: November 99/ Number One/ Lullaby/ Good Influence/ February Sun/ No Rush/ Lovely Walk/ Take Off And Land/ Miles Away/ Rose
Personnel: Manu Katche’ – drums; Tomasz Stanko – trumpet; Jan Garbarek – tenor saxophone; Marcin Wasilewski – piano; Slawomir Kurkiewicz – double-bass