Bugge Wesseltoft - Playing ****

For the last three years Wesseltoft has been concentrating on solo performances, using both acoustic and electric pianos and electronics. In many ways, his discursive live keyboard introductions with his New Conception of Jazz (1996-2004) were a logical precursor to this new direction. Wesseltoft is never in a hurry to make a point; a master of melodic invention and rigorous self-editing as he is of the less-is-more ethos, he never willingly uses two notes where one will do.

With the exception of Paul Desmond’s ‘Take 5’ these are all spontaneously conceived improvisations building on the moods and ideas that have worked for him in live performance. The title track and ‘Dreaming’ underline the mood of quiet reflection that underpins these performances as the one-time groove-meister evolves into a musical storyteller par excellence.
Stuart Nicholson