ramboy 22
Michael Moore Quintet
Osiris
€19.50 (incl. shipping + tax)

Moore pairs himself with a list of (likely) unfamiliar, but no less accomplished Dutch players: trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, pianist Marc van Roon, bassist Paul Berner, and drummer Owen Hart, Jr. The program offers a reflective, restrained sensibility that highlights both ensemble and solo work and smolders much more than it burns. Moore's melodic concentration appears immediately on the quiet elegance of “Osiris” or the splendid lyricism of the pensive “Here, Right Now”. Special mention should be made right away of the excellent work from Vloeimans, who thrives in his role as Moore's front-line counterpart, as well as adding several memorable solos. Vloeimans' showpiece is definitely “Ishi—the 5 Bows Incident” where he creates drama that evokes shadings of Dave Douglas, or further, his nimble work on the jagged terrains of “Movement Specialists”.

But for the subdued nature of the performances, the ensemble does manage to excite throughout, particularly in the restlessness displayed on “Playboy”, which shows Hart's keen depth—both when setting the fluid time or lively rumbling. Hart also lays down powerful rhythms on the urgent flow of “Tallwind To Kyele”, a workout for Moore's bass clarinet and Vloeimans, as well as the tricky “Movement Specialists” and the record's most varied piece, “Culture Warriors”.

Folks that have been watching Moore for years know that he is an unpredictable artist and one look at Ramboy's discography will bear this out. Osiris might be his most enchanting record yet—full of rich tapestries, strong ensemble playing, and compelling solos from Moore and the others, it is truly a delight, especially for those that don't need shtick to enjoy their music.

Jay Collins, One Final Note.
Eric Vloeimans - trumpet
Michael Moore - alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet
Marc van Roon - piano
Paul Berner - bass
Owen Hart, Jr. - drums

Track Listing:

1. Osiris 06:04
2. Playboy (for Jorge Guinle) 09:54
3. Culture Warriors 04:46
4. Ishi - the 5 Bows incident 05:49
5. Movement Specialists 08:07
6. RUADJ 03:10
7. Tailwind to Kyele 04:06
8. North Star 04:17
9. It's a Long Road 06:45
10. Here, Right Now 07:08

Total playing time 63:38

All compositions by Michael Moore

Recorded 18 October, 2005 by Max Bolleman in Studio 44, Monster, NL, mixed by Max Bolleman, edited and mastered by Frank van der Weij. Design and photography by Isabelle Vigier. Thanks to Paulo Moura, Ralph Alessi and Chris Speed. Met dank aan het fonds v.d. scheppende toonkunst. Copyright 2006 buma/stemra