ERIC VLOEIMANS
Bitches And Fairy Tales (Challenge)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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On Bitches And Fairy Tales, trumpeter Eric Vloeimans takes a strong step toward recognition as one of the most important young players on the European jazz scene. He does that with an impressive set of original compositions, inventive playing and the support of one of the strongest rhythm sections that Challenge Records honcho Hein Van de Geyn could assemble.

British pianist John Taylor is an improvisational wizard capable of finding the core of any composition and turning it into something new and very special. Bassist Marc Johnson, who first came to wide attention behind Bill Evans, is another first call player, a welcome addition to any session. Drummer Joey Baron is not only a rhythmic genius, he is one of the most melodic drummers in jazz (check his solo on Vloeimans' "Penan Song").

Vloeimans proves himself equal to his accompanists on this date, and his tunes provide plenty of space for the players and enjoyment for the listener. This is a first rate contribution from a player who promises to be one of the most important contributors to jazz for years to come.

Track List: Mount Kinabalu * Midnight Child * Weirdo March * Penan Song * Lightning And Twinkling * Subway Part One & Part Two * Good Ol' Benz * Subway Closing Time * Phoenix * Magician * Maria Magdalena * Millennium Years Away * All It Matters

© 1999 - Shaun Dale