Martin Wind – Stars – Couleurs JAZZ

A German bassist based in New York for several decades, Martin Wind has collaborated on numerous projects in both classical music and jazz, recording an impressive number of albums as both a sideman and a leader.

Although he has been heard alongside musicians of the caliber of the Brecker brothers, Larry Goldings or John Scofield, it is in a style of unapologetic classicism that he has chosen to perform on this new opus.

He is joined by clarinetist Anat Cohen and drummer Matt Wilson, two musicians with whom he is familiar, and for the first time he invites star pianist Kenny Barron, with whom he has long dreamed of collaborating.

On compositions of his own and a few standards, it is therefore not surprising that he gives Barron plenty of room to express himself, including on a theme that begins as a trio, where the bassist displays his sumptuous bowing. Barron is indeed particularly honored on one of his rare recordings as a sideman, and he contributes greatly to the success of this project with the harmonic richness of his playing, the beauty of his piano sound, and the relevance of his solo interventions.

But we mustn’t forget Anat Cohen, the other principal soloist, whose sound, sometimes bright, sometimes more mellow, works wonders both in her exposition of the themes and in her solos.

As for Martin Wind, he carries this project with an unshakeable foundation and a sumptuous bass tone, with which Matt Wilson forms a first-rate rhythm section.

This is a beautiful recording, featuring music performed with fervor by four seasoned instrumentalists who are totally dedicated to showcasing this timeless jazz.