PAPATAMUS REDUX

MARMADE RECORDS 002 (RECORDED APRIL 2023)

I have a feeling Christian Marien listened to some old Jimmy Guiffre recordings before going into the studio to record How Long Is Now. However, rather than simply recreating the instrumentation, folk-like melodies and intertwining guitar and reed lines of Giufree’s work, Marien and his band approach the music with a greater sense of freedom and energy. Stepping out from his normal seat in the ICP Orchestra, Tobias Delius shifts from assertive tenor playing to more free flowing Giufree-esque clarinet on the seven tracks. Like Jim Hall in the original Giufree groups, guitarist Jasper Stadhouders provides counterpoint to Delius’ lines but with a bit more edge. Drummer Marien and bassist Antonio Borghini provide the perfect blend of structure and space for Delius and Stadhouder to fully explore the playfulness and sonorities of the compositions, all written by Marien. I have a feeling Jimmy Guifree would enjoy this adventure. I sure did!

BOTTOM LINE: Strong players, outstanding tunes and telepathic interaction between the musicians definitely puts this release on my top records for 2024.