Earlier this year, we got to listen to pianist Johannes Wallmann’s compelling Love Wins album. Now, Wallmann returns with his eighth project, Day and Night, which comes out on Nov. 2, 2018.
I recently got a preview of the album and like what I hear. The song “Nocturne” is a fine example of Wallmann’s many strengths. Day and Night pairs the band leader with bassist Matt Pavolka, trumpeter Bryan Lynch, saxophonist Dyana Stephens and drummer Colon Stranahan. This group of old musical friends breathe life into this album of mostly standards.
“Nocturne” is no exception, as the band’s reading of the song is vital and moving. Built around Johannes Wallmann’s elegant piano and buoyed by the sax and trumpet interplay, the song is dark and inviting. Dayna Stephens establishes the theme with his tenor saxophone, while Colin Stranahan’s brush work moves things along.
Wallmann’s arrangement is brilliant, as it allows space for the soloists to paint just enough of the picture to establish mood. Though “Nocturne” is only seven minutes long, each of the players is given enough room to shine. Wallmann too provides a solo. He builds on the main theme before giving way to Stephens, who brings the song back to a simmer. Lynch follows, quickly adding to the musical goodness.
All in all, “Nocturne” is a quite enjoyable teaser to a very promising new album by Johannes Wallmann.
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