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The New York Second: Room for Other People
ByHarald Walkate
pianoThe album draws inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful black-and-white photography of Vivian Maier, the enigmatic street photographer whose remarkable body of work emerged from obscurity only after her death. Maier's ability to capture fleeting moments of urban life with an acute sense of emotion and narrative finds a compelling parallel in Walkate's music. The production translates Maier's visual language into sound, offering a lush, cinematic soundscape that immerses listeners in her world of contrastslight and shadow, anonymity, intimacy, chaos and stillness.
The album's production is meticulously crafted, with every detail contributing to its atmospheric quality as if each note were personally interviewed before being allowed entry. The ensemblea well-curated mix of piano, brass, woodwinds and rhythm sectionoperates as a cohesive unit, yet each instrument retains its individuality. This delicate balance mirrors Maier's photographs, where the minutiae of everyday life are given equal importance alongside the larger narrative. Walkate's arrangements are marked by their restraint and spaciousness, allowing the ensemble's interplay to breathe and evolve naturally.
Among the standout tracks is the opener "983 Third Avenue," which artfully captures the interplay of light and darkness central to Maier's photographic style. Its harmonic subtleties and smoothly flowing horns create an evocative soundscape, reminiscent of light filtering through urban alleysthough considerably more melodious than your average New York alley. The energy amplifies during the bridge with

Rob Waring
vibraphoneThe pianist demonstrates exceptional skill in melody composition, as many tracks include memorable themes. "Safety Service Comfort" features

Mark Alban Lotz
flutePerhaps the emotional core of the album lies in "Downstairs for Incoming Trains," a melancholic ballad that delves into themes of solitude and introspection, echoing Maier's haunting self-portraits with all the subtlety of a whispered confession. The simplicity of the melody, paired with Walkate's expressive piano performance, evokes a quiet yet profound poignancy. It is a piece that invites listeners to linger in its emotional resonance, much like Maier's most personal images.
This album rewards repeated listening, each encounter uncovering new layers of texture, emotion and meaning. For fans of jazz and visual art alike, Room for Other People is a notable achievement and a fitting homage to the enduring legacy of Vivian Maier. ">
Track Listing
983 Third Avenue; Florida, 1957; The Collector's Corner; The Class Photograph; Room for Other People; Safety Service Comfort; The White Dress; Location & Date Unknown; View of Ile Saint-Louis; Downstairs for Incoming Trains; Room for Other People (Reprise).
Personnel
Harald Walkate
pianoTeus Nobel
flugelhornMark Alban Lotz
fluteRob Waring
vibraphoneMax Sargeant
drumsLorenzo buffa
bassVincent Veneman
tromboneTom Beek
saxophone, tenorAdditional Instrumentation
Teus Nobel: trumpet.
Album information
Title: Room for Other People | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced
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