Nicolas Thys
Virgo
Pirouet Records

Henning Sieverts Symmetry
Blackbird
Pirouet Records

Jurgen Friedrich
Pollock
Pirouet Records
By George W. Harris

Pirouet Records has been one of the few labels that has prided itself on having an identifiable sound and genre. Intricate and “indie” post bop is the name of the game here, with artists that aren’t on the top in popularity here in the States, but should be getting some attention in time to come.

Bassist Nicolas Thys has put together a tight little quintet with Chris Cheek/ts, Jon Cowherd/p, Ryan Scott/g and Dan Riese/dr for an impressive set of originals. The band mixes sophisticated solos which carefully seque into themes and melodies with aplomb. The alacrity of Scott and Cheek as a front line, mixed with the flexible rhythm section, makes for remarkable interplay on pieces like “99 Ocean” and “G Brazil.” Cheek has a nice virile tone, which contrasts well with Cowherd’s and Scott’s fluid sounds. The heat is in the sophistication on this well conceived set of originals, and not in the volume, which is a welcome relief.

Bassist/cellist Henning Sieverts has put together an unorthodox quitntet with Chris Speed/cl-ts, Johannes Lauer/tb, Achim Kaufmann/p and John Hollenbeck for a mix of originals and covers. The music is at it’s strongest on the more pastoral and genteel tracks, like Parker’s intriguing “Blues For Alice” and the band’s own “Dribs and Drabs” and “E Bird.” The mix of clarinet and ‘bone is fresh and verdant. The more angular pieces will take a bit more getting used to, but also have some merits. Lots of promise here.

Pianist Jurgen Friedrich teams up with John Herbert/b and Tony Moreno/dr for a classic working piano trio working on a well constructed set of originals, save Monk’s “Round Midnight (which actually sounds fresh and revised). Tunes like “Drift” and “Ripple” are filled with clever harmonies and deft interplay, and everyone gets a chance to shine in the light. Hebert does some tenacious work on “Drift,” and the title track while Moreno’s cymbal work on “Flauschangriff” and “Over” is equally impressive. Jurgen’s got a warm and soft hand on the ivories which will be an attraction to Mehldau and Evans fans.