Christian Marien Quartet

Known for his work in bands led by everyone from Hannes Zerbe to Andreas Willers, Berlin-based drummer Christian Marien has put together a quart of like-minded players who probe unexpected corners of improvisation without losing a grounded groove. Elder of the group of UK reedist Tobias Delius, veteran of the ICP Orchestra. Meanwhile Italian bassist Antonio Borghini plays in groups like Die Hochstapler, while Dutch string player Jasper Stadthouders is also part of Spinifex

Because of their familiarity with each other’s work, each of the tunes, mostly composed by Marien move along at an engaging pace directed at junctures by guitar twangs, bass string strums or percussive bangs. Also inserted are contrapuntal interjections or amplification from one of the three rhythm players or Delius’ double-tonguing tenor saxophone or vibrating clarinet slurs. Alternately,  tracks like “The Lobster” feature moderated clarinet trills and finger style guitar plucks which project the theme in tandem; or as the adagio-paced “The Landing”, mandolin string picking preserve the gentling exposition even as clarion reed trills diminished the exposition with  waspish split tones.

Fully in control at all times, Marien ensures that the disc doesn’t become a percussion showpiece. Eschewing solos he instead concentrates on expressing loose dram pats, positioned raps and cymbal buzzes. Borghini’s thick string rubs are often superseded by connective walking; Stadthouders’ prestissimo chording is kept to a minimum in favor of paced plucks; and Delius’ isolated honks, squeaks and yearning cries are superseded by responsive puffs and horizontal puffs that contribute to straight-ahead movement and connection.

Pleasant, foot-tapping and coordinated on this disc, now that the quartet has established itself, stretch boundaries and be more adventurous in individual solos presents itself as the next challenge.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. 40 Love/Goldrausch 2. The Lobster 3. Lilly/Dopperhertz 4. The Landing 5. Phantome/Pouwl 6. 294/Patterson Blues. 7. Deésse

Personnel: Tobias Delius (tenor saxophone and clarinet); Jasper Stadhouders (guitar and mandolin); Antonio Borghini (bass) and Christian Marien (drums)