Bruno Raberg Tentet EVOLVER

July 19, 2024

BRUNO RABERG TENTET

EVOLVER

Orbis Music Records

Bruno Raberg, acoustic bass/composer; Gen Yoshimura, drums; Anastassiya Petrova, piano/B3 organ; Nate Radley, guitar; Charlotte Lang, bass clarinet; Randy Pingrey, trombone; Peter Kenagy, trumpet/flugelhorn; Stephen Byth, tenor saxophone/clarinet; Allan Chase, soprano, alto & baritone saxophones; Fernando Brandão, flute/alto & bass flutes. SPECIAL GUESTS: Kris Davis, piano; Walter Smith III, tenor saxophone.

The first tune, “Peripeteia” means a sudden reversal of fortune or change of circumstances. It’s a smooth jazz arrangement, laid-back and full of many horn ensemble harmonics. Track #2 engages me right away with the bass line of Raberg gaining my full attention. This composition by Raberg is titled, “Mode Natakapriya” and highlights Peter Kenagy’s muted trumpet in a beautiful way.

“My studies of traditional Indian music have influenced my writing in many ways, some more obvious than others. Natakapriya is the tenth mode in the Carnatic Melakarta system, that has 72-basic-mother-scales. The melodic and harmonic material in this piece are based on these pitches, C- D flat – E flat – F – G – A – B flat – Cm,” Raberg explains how he composed this tune.

The bass player shows off his world-traveler attributes with some of his tune titles. “Peripeteia” comes from Greek mythology. “Mode Natakapriya” is very East Indian based. “Stiltje” means stillness in Swedish, and “Erebus” is from Greek mythology that means ‘descending into darkness.’

I enjoy Anastassiya Petrova’s piano introduction on the tune, “Sunday.” It’s a very beautiful and engaging song. Stephen Byth enters to solo on his tenor saxophone, followed by a pretty flute solo by Fernando Brandão. Enter guitarist Nate Radley to offer his creativity to the mix and he demands all my attention in a beautiful way. The arrangements on this album are very orchestrated and lush. They remind me of a much larger ensemble of musicians and the arrangements lean towards European classical music. This is easy-listening jazz, with warm, moderate tempos and intimate compositions that are interpreted by enthusiastic musicians. There is nothing explosive here.

Bruno Raberg explains his composing skills. “When I’m writing, I often see the instruments as characters in a play or a movie, talking to each other and interacting in different ways. It helps me to get my imagination going and find a frame for the compositions.”

Raberg is an internationally renowned bassist and composer. He arrived in America from his native Sweden in 1981. He’s released 14 recordings as a bandleader. Currently, Raberg presents concerts featuring solo bass and leads a trio with Bruce Barth on piano and drummer Matt Wilson. As an educator and bass player, he currently teaches at the prestigious Berklee Global Jazz Institute.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

* * * * * * * * *

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music