Sahib Shihab - Sentiments (Remastered) (2018)

The music here has never been released before on CD: “Sahib Shihab & the Danish Radio Jazz Group” (recorded in 1965) and “Sentiments” (recorded in 1971). Joining saxophonist Sahib Shihab on these two sessions are the best musicians on the Danish scene in the late 60’s, including Bent Jædig on tenor sax, Palle Mikkelborg on trumpet, Torolf Mølgaard on trombone, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass, Alex Riel on drums and the famous American pianist Kenny Drew. The musical style is jazz, sometimes blended with an Eastern, North African or American Indian influence and – on one tune – even rock music. This recording is packed with exciting compositions and wonderful performances; check out Kenny Drew’s moving ballad “Extase”, among many fine examples.

“The album was recorded in 1971, March in Copenhagen and it’s a series of stills from moments that inspired every track. One Very hot day in Tunis, while riding a bus on the way to sfax, two Tunisians began to sing a melody to the accompaniment of a drum. The rhythm played by the drummer was dascinating. Not Having a workable knowledge of The western metric system, he could tell me the time value, so I dubdivided and came up with 14/8, or two time 7/4. A a result, Ma’Nee: wich is Urdu for meaning.

The delopment on a free form of The Call with an Ab-lib Chorus, Jimmy Hopps inspiration for Rue De La Harpe, Kenny Drew written by Extase, a deep and beautiful ballad and The alto humming flute and the bass of Niels Henning made me go inside this Companionship. My greatest wish is that you will have many moments of pleasure listening to this album, as we, the musicians, enjoyed making it.” (Sahib Shihab)

"Like many Americans who opt to live and work in Europe, the recorded legacy of multi-reed player Sahib Shihab tends to be overlooked by fans in his native land. Sentiments pairs recordings he made for two separate albums between 1965 and 1971. On the 1971 session, he's accompanied by fellow expatriate Kenny Drew, bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and drummer Jimmy Hopps. Most of the compositions are by the leader, starting with the exotic blend of hard bop and African rhythm, featuring Shihab's dancing soprano sax and Pedersen's bass solo. Drew switches to organ and Pedersen makes a relatively rare appearance on electric bass on the funky "Sentiments." The leader switches to baritone sax for Drew's exuberant ballad "Extase." The 1965 sessions feature Shihab as a guest with the Danish Radio Jazz Group, playing six of his originals. "Di-Da" is a catchy hard bop tune in which one note is repeatedly echoed by members of the group, though the pattern disappears as he launches his powerful baritone sax. The moody "Tenth Lament" and the perky "Harvey's Tune" are also highlights, with Shihab switching to flute for the latter piece. The supporting cast has a number of top European musicians, including Niels Pedersen, pianist Bent Axen, trumpeters Palle Mikkelborg and Allan Botschinsky, and drummer Alex Riel." (Ken Dryden, AMG)

Sahib Shihab, alto flute, baritone and soprano saxophone
Kenny Drew, piano
Fritz von Bülow, guitar
Palle Mikkelborg, trumpet
Bent Jædig, tenor saxophone
Niels Husum, tenor saxophone
Poul Hindberg, alto saxophone, clarinet
Torolf Mølgaard, trombone
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, bass
Jimmy Hopps, drums

Digitally remastered