| Jazz |
“This album is a search for balance between transparency and clarity in music”, Joep van Rhijn explains.
We feel that this album is both deeply personal and intimate. Each track on Between Fact & Fiction tells its own distinct story, each track on this album is a moment in time.
The first track, Vergane Glorie, is perhaps the most faithful reflection of Chet Baker’s essence, a pursuit of perfection in interpretation, a moment of sheer musical poetry that stands apart from the rest of the album. It provides a rare sense of serenity, a listening experience as soothing as it is profound. Listening again and again to that track you will feel (and see) that Chet Baker’s shadow is cast over Joep van Rhijn. One cannot deny that what Joep delivers here is near perfection. Like Chet, he pours his passion into every note.
Joep van Rhijn is nothing short of sublime, though one could argue that with a foundation laid by a genius such as the accompanying pianist, Yoonseung Cho, anyone would soar. And make no mistake, Joep van Rhijn does not simply revisit jazz. He rewrites it and stamps his name in gold. And listening to Yoonseung Cho at the piano is such an enriching experience.
With this album, the fantastic duo invites listeners into their ever-evolving universe—an artistic space where boldness and imagination reign, where every moment brims with possibilities. The result is a timeless record, blending the spontaneity of a live performance with the intimacy of the studio.
One senses a perfect synergy between them both, an instinctive ability to bridge past and present, making this album a small gem to be savoured, track after track. One could speak of this album for hours, but the wisest course of action is to listen to it as soon as it is released.
This album can be experienced in two ways: through deep, attentive listening, where one can fully appreciate both the compositions and the arrangements, or as an ambient backdrop—though inevitably, a melody will catch your ear, offering a moment of pure auditory pleasure. This, too, is the art of crafting a truly remarkable album.
Take the time to listen—to the trumpet and piano patterns, to the architecture of the compositions, to the intricate beauty that lies beneath the surface. In many ways, this album feels like a Chet Baker-esque apparition of compositions fallen from the heaven, resurrected from the ‘60s.
This album is a delight, one to savour, to listen to and revisit endlessly, a vision that inspires, that liberates the imagination and expands the mind. Its wealth of musical invention is so abundant that a single listen simply won’t suffice. One can only imagine the wild brilliance of this music performed live—it must be an unforgettable experience! Music of this calibre elevates us, transforms us.
Joep van Rhijn is a master at listening and leaving space in his playing. In this duo setting, he avoids overpowering the piano by playing sparingly and thoughtfully. He allows Yoonseung Cho‘s chords, melodies, and rhythms to breathe, creating a conversational dynamic. Instead of dominating with technical virtuosity, Joep van Rhijn focuses on melodic phrasing. He plays simple, singable lines that intertwined with the pianist’s harmonies, this allowing both the trumpet and piano to shine without either instrument dominating.
Joep van Rhijn‘s trumpet tone is soft, warm, and lyrical. His phrasing is deeply influenced by his love for melody. He creates meaningful, emotive solos that flowed naturally from the melody of the tune. Like Chet Baker, his understated style allows the piano to shine while his trumpet adds a poignant, lyrical voice to the music. This approach makes this duo, like Chet Baker with the pianist Russ Freeman (in trio or quartet), timeless examples of musical synergy and mutual respect.
The sheer beauty of the compositions and arrangements is elevated by the masterful musicianship of the duo. Without a doubt, Between Fact & Fiction deserves its place among our “Indispensable”. An essential addition to any jazz collection, this album is destined to become one of those rare gems you’ll cherish with pride. It is nothing short of a revelation.
Frankie Pfeiffer
Editor in chief – PARIS-MOVE
PARIS-MOVE, March 13th 2025
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