Jesper Bodilsen - Short Stories for Dreamers (2009)

Jesper Bodilsen is well known in Europe, though he hasn't gained a lot of exposure on American jazz CDs. But this beautiful session is an excellent starting point for anyone not already familiar with his extensive work as a sideman. The personnel varies from one track to the next, with guitarist Ulf Wakenius being his primarily collaborator, and trumpeter Peter Asplund and vibraphonist Severi Pyyasalo rounding out the group. Five of the tracks are originals penned by the leader. The haunting "Caetano" features just Bodilsen and Wakenius, the latter playing a solo nylon-string acoustic guitar as lead with a second instrument overdubbed playing rhythm. "Song for Her Being Here" adds Pyyasalo to the mix, while the full quartet is heard in the pensive "Barcelona," a terrific showcase for Asplund's expressive trumpet and Wakenius' guitar. There are two familiar songs as well: Henry Mancini's "Moon River" works perfectly as a low-key duet for acoustic bass nylon-string guitar, while the bittersweet "Estate" adds trumpet, packing an emotional punch.