Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Olie Brice / Achim Kaufmann: Of Tides

Olie Brice / Achim Kaufmann: Of Tides

By John Eyles
March 7, 2017
View read count

Recorded live at The Vortex in December 2014, Of Tides combines London double bassist Olie Brice and German pianist

Achim Kaufmann

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Achim Kaufmann in a duo. Bass and piano is an uncommon combination for a twosome, this one having arisen after the pair initially combined in a trio that also included Roger Turner on percussion. Potential obstacles to Brice and Kaufmann collaborating include an age gap of nearly two decades, and the fact that the pianist rarely plays in London. Despite such trifles, initial contact was instigated by Brice after he was impressed by the pianist's recorded work with bassist

Mark Dresser

bass, acoustic
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Dresser on Starmelodics (Nuscope, 2009).

Brice's instinct that he wanted to play with Kaufmann proved to be spot on, as the two have a great deal in common and are highly compatible, each being involved in a number of ensembles—some as leader—and composing too. Kaufmann impressed Brice with his flexibility and the range of his playing styles which include jazz (for example, see the YouTube clip below of his solo performance of "Crisp Day" by

Herbie Nichols

piano
1919 - 1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Nichols) as well as abstract playing and going inside the piano. The five tracks here, totalling just over an hour of music, contain abundant evidence of his versatility and ability to weave such diverse elements together into a coherent, satisfying whole. Although improvised, this will appeal to jazz and improv fans alike.

Key to the music's success is the evident empathy and sense of discovery shared by the pair. Throughout, there is a pervasive feeling that they respect one another as equals, each prepared to give the other time and space before coming back and responding appropriately. Overall, their playing together is highly reminiscent of players who know each other's playing inside-out after decades performing together—but we must remember that this recording comes from the early days of their time together. Yet, if this music were wine, it would not be fruity and fresh but full-bodied, mellow and mature. It certainly whets the appetite for further recordings of Brice and Kaufmann together.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Moss Grew in the Cracks; The Rumble of Constant Adjustment; Cogitations; To Heap; Of Tides.

Personnel

Olie Brice

bass, acoustic

Olie Brice: double bass; Achim Kaufmann: piano.

Album information

Title: Of Tides | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Babel Label

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Satori
< Previous

Where the Blue Begins
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.