MISHA MENGELBERG
Solo
Buzz
ZZ76012

This solo effort by Dutch pianist Misha Mengelberg is a tour de force of tuneful wit, technique, inspiration, pianistic savvy, invention, and spontaneity. The thing I like best about this recording, besides the complete omission of jazz standards in favor of Mengelberg’s own quirky compositions, is how Mengelberg happily veers off into unexplored territory, as though he is trying out this material for the first time. Mengelberg never sounds self-conscious: not once does he call attention to himself even during the most convoluted, wild and unexpected passages. Instead, Mengelberg just lets the music lead the way. The recording, though it is divided into tracks, seems to flow as a single continuous thought from beginning to end, like a marvellous sililoquy. There is an internal logic to each piece as well. At any given moment, it is just as likely that Mengelberg will erupt into a storm of notes as he will tail off into near silence. Either way, there is a tuneful logic hovering nearby at all times. Mengelberg’s reknowned sense of humor is most evident on "Koekoek," which sounds like a mildly demented piano exercise, and on the kiddingly affectionate "Broezimann" (ostensibly a coup de chapeau to saxophonist and long-time musical associate Peter Brotzmann) which stutters and sputters like an old jalopy before sliding imperceptibly towards a hybrid blues / boogie / stride feel. This disc is beautiful from start to finish.

Dave Wayne

Track Listing: 1. Boodschappenlijst IV; 2. Koekoek (Cuckoo); 3. Richard Wagner Gewidmet: Reef; 4. Knebus; 5. Salz; 6. Ik Heb Een Turquoise Muts; 7. Wof Afhaal; 8. Bill Evans En Dán; 9. Broezimann

Personnel: Misha Mengelberg, piano