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Arbenz X Vistel / Moutin: Conversation #4 (Vulcanized)

By Mark Corroto
February 28, 2022
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Arbenz X Vistel / Moutin: Conversation #4 (Vulcanized)

Prompted by the pandemic, drummer and percussionist

Florian Arbenz

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Florian Arbenz has set out to document 12 Conversations with musicians invited into his Basel, Switzerland recording studio. Conversation #1: Condensed was a trio with Brazilian guitarist

Nelson Veras

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Nelson Veras and American trumpeter

Hermon Mehari

trumpet
b.1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Hermon Mehari. Conversation #2 & #3 found Arbenz with British vibraphonist

Jim Hart

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Hart and Swiss bassist

Jim Hart

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Hart. Here we have the drummer teaming up with French bassist

Francois Moutin

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Francois Moutin and Cuban also saxophonist

Maikel Vistel

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Maikel Vistel, who collaborates with the drummer in the sextet Convergence.

Was there a language issue? Absolutely not. The trio speaks the language of

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk with "Bemsha Swing" and "Hackensack,"

Bill Evans

piano
1929 - 1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Evans with "Waltz For Debby,"

Joe Zawinul

keyboards
1932 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Zawinul on "Scarlet Woman," and

Eddie Harris

saxophone, tenor
1934 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Eddie Harris with "Freedom Jazz Dance." What is more, listeners will not need Google to translate, though the common language is spoken with an accent. Arbenz opens "Bemsha Swing" in a funky groove, Nevertheless, the trio remains faithful to Monk's language. Both Moutin and Vistel drop disciplined solos here and throughout. Like the previous Conversations, the tracks are mostly brief affairs with compact solos and precise performances. The trio takes "Hackensack" at a breakneck pace, Moutin's lightning fingers fly over his strings chased by Arbenz' cymbals. This is Vistel's domain; he can speed and soar with a casualness that testifies to his immense talents. "Scarlett Woman" from

Weather Report

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Weather Report's Mysterious Traveller (Columbia, 1974) and 8:30 (Columbia, 1979) is given its due regard. Vistel exercises some deft

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter-inspired soprano, and Moutin's bass acts as narrator with Arbenz filling in details. The trio coax a gentle dance with "Waltz For Debby," where Moutin again shines with his expressive attack.

As they say in the advertisements, "wait, there's more." Moutin composed one track and Vistel two. The trio runs through these with the same authority. With close listening this trio could be taken for a longtime working unit, and maybe that is the ultimate compliment given to this Conversation #4 session.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Bemsha Swing; Pandemia; Freedom Jazz Dance; A Soothing Thrill; Hackensack; Scarlet Woman; Closer; Waltz For Debby.

Personnel

Florian Arbenz

drums

Maikel Vistel

saxophone, alto

Francois Moutin

bass

Album information

Title: Conversation #4 (Vulcanized) | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Florian Arbenz Hammer Recordings

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