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Barbara Dennerlein:
Love Letters
| Label |
Bebap 250969 |
| recorded |
March 2001 in Augsburg/Germany
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| online distribution |
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| Barbara Dennerlein |
Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizers |
| Daniel Messina |
drums, percussion, vocals |
01: Funkish
02: Love Letters
03: Tamburo
04: Black Narcissus
05: Jimmy’s Walk
06: A Summer Day
07: Frogs In Space
08: Yes Or No
09: Pendel Der Zeit
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The German jazz organ lady, having meanwhile gathered a worldwide reputation, takes us by surprise.
Her new release "Love Letters" is very different from earlier albums, in many respects.
Not so important, but worth being mentioned: It is not Verve, the label of her last releases, but Bebab Records
which has presented this new album.
On this album, Barbara turns back to a minimal team, the DUO. Solos, Duos and Trios have marked the
beginning of Dennerlein's career. Later, in the 90's, we got used to albums with a bunch of artists, from
which Barbara always stood out. "Love Letters" let you hear a highly committed companion on the drums,
Daniel Messina, who has worked now for six years with Barbara. And all the other instruments, beside the
organ itself, are produced by Dennerlein's synthesizer. This is the next difference. Pure Hammond organ
freaks will learn that with a certain shudder. But leaving common paths demand new means. And Barbara is
not at all afraid of trying new ways, although the ideas which led to the music of this album do not seem
to be that new. They remind us the early days of Pat Metheny or Lyle Mays. But Barbara combines her rhythmic
feeling and superb skills on the Hammond with a somewhat contemplative, partially meditative mood.
This mixture gives her music the uniqueness you will discover listening to it.
Not all tunes, which by the way are composed by Barbara, follow this different way. "Funkish" or "Jimmy's Walk",
dedicated to Jimmy Smith, are of agreeable freshness. The album starts with a funky tune and ends with the
colourful "Pendel der Zeit" (pendulum of time). Is this the sign for further experiences?
With this album, Barbara prooves that she has got the courage to go on her own way. For that, she deserves our
full recognition.
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