Cover of Manu Katché Neighbourhood
Copernico

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For fans of manu katché, lovers of ecm jazz, jazz enthusiasts, followers of jan garbarek, and those interested in sophisticated percussion-driven jazz albums
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THE REVIEW

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.

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Summary by Bot

Manu Katché’s album Neighbourhood is praised as a sophisticated ECM jazz work featuring notable guests like Jan Garbarek and Marcin Wasilewski. The album divides into two distinct parts: the first five tracks are soft and elusive with subtle percussion, while the remaining tracks are rhythmically decisive and virtuoso. It succeeds in blending professionalism with emotional depth and captivating ideas, highlighted by the delicate closing suite 'Rose.' Highly recommended for jazz lovers and beyond.

Tracklist 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)

Manu Katché

French drummer and composer known for elegant, groove-focused playing. Rose to prominence with Peter Gabriel and Sting; later led acclaimed ECM albums like Neighbourhood (2005) and Playground (2007).
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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.