Jazz |

This is an album of the utmost classicism, adhering to all the codes of jazz and featuring skilled musicians. Yet, it fails to fully win me over. Whether in its musical compositions or arrangements, the listener is confined to an overly familiar terrain, one that beckons us to revisit our trusty Dexter Gordon records rather than linger on well-executed renditions of pieces we already know by heart. Flutist and saxophonist Paul Vornhagen struggles to impose a distinctive vision upon the works he interprets. While this live recording will undoubtedly delight his fans, others may find themselves drawn instead to the wealth of album releases in early 2025 that invite exploration into far more adventurous realms.
By the second track, the dense and overly verbose nature of these compositions begins to fatigue the ears, and the third track marked the end of my patience. Though I can imagine enjoying myself at the Blue Llama with friends, I genuinely question the merit of such an album. While many saxophonists have a sound unmistakably their own, here—perhaps due to the mixing—the saxophone’s tone feels harsh, if not outright jarring. The omnipresent piano and drums leave little breathing room, prioritizing raw energy over musicality, which, in my view, is a significant missed opportunity.
This album is best reserved for die-hard fans of this saxophonist. For the rest of us, it earns a mere three stars—an album we’ll quickly consign to oblivion in favor of something more uplifting, as we strive to forget the utterly unremarkable vocal sections.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 26th 2025
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