Jakob Dinesen - Dino (2009)

This is the fifth release by Danish tenor saxophonist Jakob Dinesen, who attended Berklee for two years in the early 1990s, though he is much more widely known in Europe, where he won the prestigious Jazzpar Prize in 2004. A gifted, expressive player, he has worked in many different settings, for this session he came to the U.S. to record with the veteran drummer Paul Motian, whose light touch is perfect for a pianoless trio. Dinesen tackles two familiar tunes: a whimsical interpretation of Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday" that isn't overly serious, plus a loping treatment of "Tennessee Waltz." All but one of the remaining tracks are originals, two of which add trumpeter Kasper Tranberg and trombonist Mads Hyhne. The Afro-Cuban folk melody "Ochun" begins in a sauntering mood with a bittersweet edge, gradually building in intensity with the two additional horns providing harmony behind the leader. His ominous "Night of the Strooch" has a Latin undercurrent. "Good Onions" sounds as if improvised on the spot, while the emotional ballad "Heart of a Fool" gets its message across without the need for lyrics. An excellent outing by Jakob Dinesen, who is deserving of more exposure in North America.~Dino Review by Ken Dryden