photo courtesy of AllAboutJazz.com
The Dutch quartet Talking Cows never take themselves too seriously—see video below—but the non-nonsense modern jazz they make is no joke. Admirers of The Netherlands’ great jazz icon Misha Menglelberg, Talking Cows uses strong melodies that often masks the intricacies happening underneath, and an energetic, pliable rhythm section (Dion Nijland, double bass; Yonga Sun, drums). Saxophonist Frans Vermeerssen and pianist Robert Vermeulen work well together whether in tandem or in unison. Many styles are tackled as they go from the multi-tempoed swing of “Hurdles In Three” and “Dinner Is Served,” to the unpredictable avant garde excursions of “Most Def!” and “Hang Glider,” the straight-at-ya bebop of “Mooing Around” and the snappy, pop-ready melody of “Two Guys And A Beer.” But it’s never jazz that’s too convoluted or soft, the Talking Cows have it modulated just right.
Almost Human goes out to pasture February 28, brought to you stateside by Jazzsick Records.
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