Paul Dietrich - 5+4 (2023)

The concept for this latest album by Wisconsin-based trumpeter, composer and educator Paul Dietrich, his fourth as leader, can be found in its title, 5+4, wherein he employs a jazz quintet and four-member string section. It is to Dietrich's credit that neither one outshines the other; the quintet takes the lead on six of the album's eight numbers (all written by Dietrich), the strings on the others ("Out Here," "A Separation").

Indeed, the two components mesh so seamlessly that it's hard to imagine the album with one but not the other. Credit again to Dietrich who is careful write for nine, not for five or four with the rest as afterthought. In that respect, the album succeeds quite well. The songs themselves fare less well, as they are generally dark and dispassionate—which was undoubtedly Dietrich's purpose but doesn't give the listener much to groove on.

Truth is, the session opens on a relatively upbeat note, then seems to lose buoyancy and vigor through the placid "Closing," which, although attractive, does nothing to assuage the album's melancholy outlook. Even "Of Islands," which tries to lighten the mood, is unable to keep the fire burning for more than a moment or two, leaving tenor saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi on his own to replace fire with charm.

Laurenzi is a decent soloist, as is Dietrich, but they are hard-pressed to breathe life into what are basically low-key dirges. While the strings do lend some color, they too are hamstrung by Dietrich's generally shadowy and slow-moving charts. The rhythm section (pianist Jason Kutz, bassist Brian Courage, drummer Jon Deitemyer) is capable but not given much on which to flex its muscles. "Folk Song" perhaps comes closest to displaying a sunny vibe, with nice work by the strings, a pleasing solo from Dietrich and Laurenzi on flute.

As string sections are seldom noted, they may be gratified to see their names here: Paran Amirinazari and Wes Luke, violin; Kayla Patrick, viola; Lindsey Crabb, cello. As noted, they do their best to brighten the scene, but can do no more than is asked of them, even when left to their own devices, as on "A Separation." Although it is by no means an unpleasant album, 5+4 is best left to those who prefer their jazz soft and mellow with a heavy message begging to be heard.

Review By Jack Bowers