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Gebhard Ullmann/Basement Research: Hat And Shoes

By Glenn Astarita
January 31, 2015
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Track review of "Gulf of Berlin"

Gebhard Ullmann/Basement Research: Hat And Shoes

Without a doubt, German multi-woodwind ace Gebhard Ullmann is one of the busiest artists within the global jazz network. Hat & Shoes celebrates his Basement Research band's 20th anniversary and the artist's 50th CD as a co-leader and leader, including his other ensembles —Conference Call and the Clarinet Trio.

The all-star quintet ups the ante via its intensely wrought force-field and crafty deportment, compiled with spirited group evolvements. The three-man horn section's deterministic mode of operations, offer rousing and weaving breakouts, ballsy soloing spots, resilient storylines and a distinct sense of urgency that underscore the sometimes, dizzying improv segments. Yet they soften some of the heavyweight blows with minimalist style etudes amid introspective crosscurrents, edgy balladry and trombonist

Steve Swell

trombone
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Swell's drawling blues motifs along with other movements devised with scrappy exchanges.

The band closes out in a blaze of glory on the final track "Gulf of Berlin," where Ullmann, Swell and baritone saxophonist

Julian Arguelles

saxophone
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Julian Arguelles generate a blitz of speedy unison lines, serving as the primary theme. Moreover, drummer

Gerald Cleaver

drums
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerald Cleaver pushes the ensemble with bristling pulses along with bassist

Pascal Niggenkemper

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Pascal Niggenkemper's thriving patterns. Shades of

Ornette Coleman

saxophone, alto
1930 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Ornette Coleman's harmolodic principles are inherent, enhanced by the odd-metered pulse. But the soloists' enjoy climactic improv space during the bridge, eased by the bassist's quiet interlude, as they go full circle by reintroducing the scorching theme as the band sonorously explores contrasting variables here and throughout.

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Track Listing

Trinidad Walk; Wo bitte geht's zu den Hackeschen H?fen; Flutist with Hat And Shoe; Don't Touch My Music; Five; Blue Trees And Related Objects; Gulf of Berlin.

Personnel

Gebhard Ullmann/Basement Research

Gebhard Ullmann: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Steve Swell: trombone; Julian Arg��elles: baritone saxophone; Pascal Niggenkemper: double bass; Gerald Cleaver: drums.

Album information

Title: Hat And Shoes | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Between the Lines

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