SABIR MATEEN — Holidays In Siena (review)

SABIR MATEEN — Holidays In Siena album cover Live album · 2011 · Avant-Garde Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
snobb
Probably not of real star status,American sax player Sabir Mateen has serious reputation,partially in Europe,as one of strongly representative American free jazz reedists of mid-generation.During last decade he released just one album in States,but near ten in Europe(mostly in Italy,but in Poland and France as well).I had a pleasure to see him playing live just two months ago - during excellent concert where he played duo with younger Lithuanian guitar improviser Juozas Milasius. That has been almost stolen by extravagant poser Milasius by his Sharrock-meet-Bailey guitars accrobatics. Sabir demonstrated his usual American jazz-rooted but far not so explosive (and externally effective) sax impovs which successfully anchored guitar extravaganza though.

Here, on one of Mateen latest live releases, situation is almost oppositely different. Sabir plays in Italian Siena,hometown of his musical partner - acoustic bassist Silvia Bolognesi.Virtually unknown outside of her homecountry,Silvia played with Butch Morris Orchestra,participated in Muhal Richard Abrams, Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton masterclasses.

Sabir is in great form here - he is obvious leader, and his sax fills all the space of Teatro dei Varii. As usual, his soloing isn't sharp,more thinking and even lyrical in moments (Sabir plays flutes and clarinet as well).From very beginning Silvia's bass is on (quite straight) rhythmic support, she will have her solo moment as well though. Generally all recordings sound more as solo reeds recital,with sax or clarinet telling stories, building quite comfortable and intelligent atmosphere,without tension,screaming or distortions,but far not polished or conformist. Sabir demonstrates here what he does best - almost forgotten free jazz tradition without noises,sound attacks and playing on listeners nerves. And it works perfectly - Silvia isn't really on his league but Sabir's playing is warm and informal enough to save the situation. With better bassist (or let say - as a sax/reeds/bass acoustic trio) it most probably would be a really great night.
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