Hearing Tom Ollendorff and Conor Chaplin together both on Ollendorff's own excellent album Open House and live at a concert in Sligo proved a similar experience to listening to Enchanted - Ollendorff's own tune 'Hollywood' is even all present and correct here. US drummer Ari Hoenig keeps things pared back and contributes some of his own writing along with a blend of standards - his style recalls Northern Irish drummer David Lyttle's a bit. Perhaps this elegant studio album recorded in Wales last year could do with a few more fireworks but nevertheless there is some immaculate soloing from Ollendorff and a swinging momentum thanks to Chaplin and Hoenig that always engages. Hat tip once again to Fresh Sound New Talent for yet another release that captures a glimpse in Ollendorff and Chaplin (the latter especially wonderful on 'The Painter') of some of the finest new generation players to emerge on the UK scene as well as continuing their longstanding championing of Hoenig.
Tags: Reviews