Guus Janssen/Bert van Erik/Wim Janssen

A POMO throwback to those last century albums titled something like Jazman Plays Famous Composer(s), Live at the Pletterij is an engaging romp through a collection of Jazz compositions by the Netherlands-based Janssen/van Erik/Janssen trio. Pianist Guus Janssen, who has also recorded with the ICP Orchestra and Ab Barra, and his drummer bother Wim Janssen have kept this trio going since 1988. Bassist Bert van Erik joined in 2019.

Besides two Guus Janssen originals and one by van Erik, the composers represented are Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Herbie Nicholas, Abdullah Ibrahi, Misha Mengelberg, Sean Bergin and Horace Silver. With each played with a mix of  aplomb and acumen, tracks demonstrate the in-sync inspiration, trio members have developed over the years. Most defining is the concluding take on Mengelberg “Een beetje zenuwachtig” which leads the audience to rapturous applause and whistles. Translated as “A bit nervous” the feeling is negated by the unexpected swells and variables involved. Connected are the drummer’s tick-tocking and rim shattering accents, the bassist’s cadence preservation and the pianist’s stop time ascension from inner string shakes to a distinct montuno-like groove.

Improvisation is coupled with invention as the Monk, Silver and Ellington tunes are amended with novel rhythms, emphasis and dynamics . Even “Creole Love Call” is transformed with a modernized repetitious chording from Guus Janssen where swing and scope intersect once the drum backbeat and double bass comments on the familiar theme are heard.

Guus Janssen’s originals are suitably jubilant and celebratory, as woody drum rattles and balanced bass thumps back up the pianist’s turn towards harpsichord-like plucked vibrations as he blends  Monk and Mozart echoes with pointed interludes and dulcet expositions. Bergin’s “Monkey Woman” remains tonal throughout as the interpretation mixes Latin, African and Jazz rhythms into a rondo, toughed with double stroked pianism continuous press rolls and defining string plucks. Most crucially Nichols’ “Wildflower” blooms as Stride and Ragtime inflections are added to Bop as the pianist’s playing seems to create dissimilar tunes from each hand as he maintains the slithering the narrative and finally recaps the head.

Avoiding the vainglorious trap of overemphasizing original material, this trio has created a disc that can be enjoyed by hard core Jazz fans and celebratory musical visitors alike.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Scharrel 2. Telgang 3, Wildflower 4. Bow for Monk 5. De lachende dwerg 6. Creole Love Call 7. Let’s cool one 8. Moon Rays 9. Monkey Woman 10. Maraba Blue 11. Een beetje zenuwachtig

Personnel: Guus Janssen (piano); Bert van Erk (bass) and Wim Janssen (drums)