Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon; Lothar Ohlmeier; Mia Ohlmeier
Jazz Werkstatt JW 244 (jazzwerkstatt.eu/jw-244-inside-colours-front-rgb)
Musical families are no novelty; neither are family bands. Yet this two CD set allows us to hear the slight redefinition of one clan’s band as progeny adds burgeoning talent to an established group. British pianist Julie Sassoon, who composed all 13 tracks here, has lived for many years in Berlin with her German husband, tenor and soprano saxophonist/bass clarinetist Lothar Ohlmeier. Working together or singly in other groups, they’ve been praised for their sophisticated music that stretches conventions while avoiding sonic tumult. As a duo they aptly demonstrate that skill with a set of languid, meditative and impressionistic performances recorded during a live concert in Regensburg that make up the first CD.
Recently the duo has expanded to a trio, as their 19-year-old daughter Mia Ohlmeier has become an accomplished drummer. The second CD, recorded at the Berliner Philharmonie, was at that point the largest venue at which the three played together. Perhaps it’s because of Mia’s rhythmic instrument or perhaps her youthful exuberance, but the five trio tunes appear more energetic. Sonic provocation is mixed with pastoral themes. Sassoon’s textures are sometimes more vigorous as she hums along with her thoughtful keyboard improvisations, and Ohlmeier more often than elsewhere sticks to lower tones as he projects thick tenor saxophone slurs and sinewy bass clarinet smears.
This is a notable introduction to the group. Future releases will hopefully fully define the partnership as will discs with Mia sans famille.
