Steve Wyzard
Album of the Year 2005!
Surprise! This is not only one of the greatest jazz albums of the first decade of the 21st century, but also one of the most archetypal ECM albums ever made. Yes, it really is that good! But wait, the naysayers insist, it's not over-the-top intense or in-your-face. True, but Manu Katche's Neighbourhood is an exquisite, pristine example of the late-night/winter afternoon chamber jazz that has enthralled ECM listeners for 4-1/2 decades. Thought-provoking? You bet!
Trumpeter Tomasz Stanko is billed first, and he almost steals the whole album. He adds dissonances to songs such as "Lullaby" and "Lovely Walk", a "Milestones"-ish riff to "Take Off and Land", and a mournful line to the haunted impressionism of "February Sun" (a perfect ECM title). But the duets with Jan Garbarek are what really stand out, particularly on "Good Influence". Garbarek and his distinctive tones only appear on 5 tracks, but they are all among the album's best. It's easy to take the excellent pianism of Marcin Wasilewski for granted: this is the perfect medium for his work. Double-bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz provides the melody line on the trio number "November 99", and drives the uptempo "Number One". As for the "leader", Manu Katche is content not to dominate the proceedings - the closest he comes to a solo is in the center section of "Lovely Walk". Make no mistake, this is not a typical drummer-as-leader album. But listen to his cymbal work and rimshots throughout, even when it sounds like not much is happening - pure magic! Highly recommended!