Henning Berg Quartet - Mìnnola (2003)

Probably best known for his work with the WDR Big Band in the 1980s and 1990s, Henning Berg boldly exposes his unique attack as he leads a highly sympathetic and stellar rhythm section through several often appealingly winding pieces and a couple of standards. An agile trombonist who rarely records as a leader, Berg favors the middle range, where he utilizes a post-bop vocabulary that encompasses an attractive, slightly grainy timbre that gives his full sound a "kick." The brooding qualities of the cleverly arranged "Chaconne" are suitably amplified by pianist Hendrik Soll, while Berg slowly recites the stately melody over pounding drums that persist after the trombone and piano drop out. "It's You or No One" shows how well Berg can navigate a familiar, strictly straight-ahead tune taken at a medium-slow tempo. His beautiful muted rendition of "Stablemates," also taken at a snail's pace, showcases his emotional grasp of the song with only minimal backing. The trombonist's gorgeous, slightly muffled, focused sound at low volume may remind the listener of Glenn Ferris. Berg navigates the horn with admirable fluidity, stringing Curtis Fuller-like hard bop phrases on the title piece, and even on the lovely "Reasons to Play" Berg bursts forth with impressive tonguing. Some of the tunes, such as "Summer Samba für die dunklen Herrn" and "Bilder einer Umstellung," are somewhat flat, with the trombonist seemingly on auto-pilot, stringing forth notes without hitting an emotional groove. Overall, though, Berg impresses, and those who enjoy the sound of the jazz trombone will want to hear this serious and underrated player. © Steven Loewy