For many years I have maintained a strict boycott on any music that is made by or performed by anyone from Sweden. This ban is in retaliation for the likes of ABBA, Ace of Bass, and Yngwie Malmsteen. I’m glad to say that my boycott has apparently finally been recognized as Sweden is redeeming itself with the likes of Christian Fabian. Granted, Christian moved from Sweden to Germany when he was 6 and I suspect it may have been this move that has saved his music from going all Waterloo, but I’ll still consider it a win for Sweden.
His latest release Keys in Ascension is a wonderfully creative album that mixes a few covers by the likes of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, and Jimmy Hugh with some original recordings that stand tall amongst the forest of jazz masters. Covering legendary Jazz masters like Miles and Charlie is a daunting task but the Fabian Zone Trio treats them with the respect and class they deserve. The Miles Davis cover “Jean-Pierre” from his album We Want Miles, is beautiful done with Don Friedman’s piano sounding crisp and the horns paying tribute to the giant footsteps they are standing in.
With Christian manning the upright bass, the Fabian Zone Trio also consists of Don Friedman on piano, and Willard Dyson on drums. The band seems to have a Napoleon complex as they play with a sound much bigger than they are. That sound is helped along with some very special guests including Ada Rovatti playing tenor and soprano saxophone, Cleave Guyton playing alto saxophone and flute, trombonist Elliot Manson, and Brad Manson on trumpet and fluegel horn. The guests only add to the songs like a nice wine to a perfect dinner. Their horns weave in and out of the music masterfully like a painter blending colors.
The old standard “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” receives special treatment that is guaranteed to relax you down into your softest chair and enjoy watching the ice cubes melt in your drink. “Wave” is a demonstration of how to allow four horns to burn like a wild fire around a beautifully subdued rhythm section. It truly is stunning to listen to genius. “Kalle Anka” starts off with the most amazing sounding snare drum that is only complimented by Christian’s bass keeping time right along with him. The song is perfect blending of cool jazz that just makes you feel cooler for listening to it.
The Fabian Zone Trio deserves your attention because they are hands down one of the best trio’s out there today. With the help of some friends, they have crafted an album that should be recognized as a masterpiece in jazz.
Key Tracks: Jean-Pierre, Kalle Anka, Wave
Doug Morrissey-MuzikReviews.com Staff
June 17, 2010
