More than a review, I am about to give a purchasing advice. He is Manu Katché, previously a drummer for P. Gabriel, Sting, and R. Robertson, now dedicated to somewhat more elite musical activities with Jan Garbarek, giving life to this second work of his (the first "It's About Time" from 1991 consisted of pop songs), which fully establishes him as a member of the ECM lineup. It is a beautiful album with important guests, including Garbarek himself.

The CD can be said to be divided into two parts, with the first five tracks being soft and elusive, somewhat along the lines of Garbarek's compositions, where you can hear Katché brushing against the percussion, giving a more rarefied and deep sound dimension, in this case (given that we are talking about a drummer), a more extensive use of mutes with his classic 12" splashes. In "Lullaby" you can hear, among others, an incredible Marcin Wasilewski on piano. The remaining tracks, except the last one (in total there are 10 compositions), have a more decisive rhythm that gives space to the entire ensemble to express themselves even with less rigorous and somewhat more virtuosic performances. Be careful, this, as it might seem, is not a work made by professionals but sterile and devoid of emotions; here the ideas are present, and the tracks are very beautiful. The album closes with "Rose," a delicate suite that alone is worth the price of the CD. Recommended for lovers of the genre and not only.

Tracklist and Videos

01   November 99 (06:06)

02   Number One (06:12)

03   Lullaby (06:20)

04   Good Influence (04:58)

05   February Sun (04:54)

06   No Rush (05:47)

07   Lovely Walk (06:22)

08   Take Off and Land (04:00)

09   Miles Away (04:18)

10   Rose (06:03)

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By Symbad_Bassist

 He brushes, strikes with great creativity but always keeps in mind the primary goal of any respectable percussionist: to color the music, accompany it, and characterize it by putting himself at its exclusive service.

 The album is dedicated to Petrucciani, with whom Manu often collaborated. They are indeed simple songs, intensely lived during the interpretation by group members.