This is something of an unusual album in that Peter Maxymych, a big fan of the Art Van Damme Quintet, decided he wanted to recreate the sounds and styles of that outfit (Van Damme died in 2010). His playing of the accordion had a huge impact on Maxymych, who also played accordion in jazz bands when he was younger but long ago switched to real estate. He hired a group of top session musicians in his home city of Montreal, but who would play the accordion? Maxymych came across a player on YouTube who he thought would be perfect, Kenny Kotwitz, who jumped at the opportunity as he was a friend of Van Damme’s, so it was truly fitting. The sessions were released as The Montreal Sessions, but then thoughts turned to a second album, perhaps recorded in LA, where Kotwitz lived?
This time around they used musicians Kotwitz had previously worked with, so in came vibraphonist Nick Mancini, bassist Chuck Berghofer (who created the bassline for Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking”, as well as being a member of the famous Wrecking Crew session musicians), guitarist John Chiodini (long associated with Peggy Lee and many others) and drummer Kendall Kay (Jack Jones, Diane Schuur etc). The result is an incredibly mellow album, with all five working together as equals, and while the accordion often takes the lead when it is being played, there are plenty of times when Kotwitz defers to the others. There is a real sense of being on this album, of musicians channelling the music as opposed to performing it. It is laid back, yet somehow also intense, creating an ambience and feeling which is very special indeed. The music is a living and breathing entity, here gently taking over our senses so that nothing else exists. Each instrument is treated with reverence, and there is a delicate complexity which brings it all together in a way which is inspired. This is music to relax to, with everyone knowing what they are bringing to the arrangement, with a great use of space so that everyone can relax and go with the flow. The CD comes with a highly informative booklet which really adds to the experience, and for any lovers of mellow jazz this is simply indispensable.
Rating: 9/10
