Undercurrent Trio High tide, low tide Flea Boy Records.
High tide, low tide is the name of the second CD of the Dutch-Argentinian jazz group Undercurrent Trio. Tenor saxophonist and clarinettist Iman Spaargaren wrote most of the 11 titles which by own account have the ambition to create a musical image of these ‘turbulent times’ in which we live. Al Gore, political party PVV but also Johann Sebastian Bach serve according to the website as source of inspiration for the wide variety of tunes. Guitarist Guillermo Celano sounds sometimes as Bill Frisell, but als can find his way in symphonic rock or modern jazz. His own composition ‘El Animal’ is the most experimental piece on this CD. Drummer Marcos Baggiani provides a appealing accompaniment for holistic wanders of saxophone and guitar by using many different instruments. In ‘Presque Tout Le Temps’ he even uses a bicycle bell. My favourite is ‘Get A Life’ in which the Undercurrents achieve to connect in a unique way the laid-back saxophone stories with the soundscapes of modern classical music. Who looks for original challenges for ear and mind will definitely have much fun listening to this beautiful designed CD. (M.K.)
