By Sean J. O’Connell | Published August 2018
Young German trombonist Janning Trumann is unquestionably the leader of this instrumental session. When the support includes vibraphone, bass and drums, it’s easy to rise above the mellow hum of the rhythm section. The collection of instruments, though, makes for an uncommon sound that’s capable of great warmth. But without the occasional slap of auditory violence, Be Here, Gone And Nowhere can lull listeners into a haze.
The album presents a dreamy landscape stitched together by Trumann’s long tones and Dierk Peters’ prodding vibraphone, an instrumental landscape that’s sparse, but not without rewards. More often than not, Peters serves as a counterpoint to Trumann’s solos, eliciting pops and dissonance more akin to a horn section than chordal support. On “Dingman,” bassist Drew Gress exhibits a nimble and melodious voice, and the band finds a groove three-quarters of the way through a tune that flexes mightily, but briefly. Gress’ solo on “Feel” eases into a stately realm that becomes more serene with each measure, pushed elegantly into a placid bed of leaves by drummer Jochen Rueckert’s brushstrokes.
Be Here, Gone And Nowhere: Permanent Proposal; Dingman; Rose; Clara; Trillmann; Siren; Feel; Where; Snow Patrol. (46:52)
Personnel: Janning Trumann, trombone; Dierk Peters, vibraphone; Drew Gress, bass; Jochen Rueckert, drums.
