Jakob Bro – Taking Turns

Danish guitarist Jakob Bro’s Taking Turns is a luminous example of jazz’s capacity to blend intimacy with innovation. Recorded a decade ago but only recently unearthed, this 2014 session finds Bro leading a masterful ensemble that includes legendary saxophonist Lee Konitz, guitar virtuoso Bill Frisell, pianist Jason Moran, bassist Thomas Morgan, and drummer Andrew Cyrille. The album’s understated beauty lies in its seamless interplay, where composed elements and improvisation dance gracefully within the same musical fabric.

Opening with Black is All Colors at Once, the record sets a tranquil yet adventurous tone. Moran’s rippling piano and Bro’s layered guitar arpeggios form a soft canvas for Konitz’s alto saxophone, which breathes contemplative phrases atop Cyrille’s subtle rhythmic gestures. The piece is a testament to the group’s ability to balance delicacy with depth.

Konitz’s distinctive voice on saxophone is at the heart of Milford Sound, a poignant homage to the late free-jazz pioneer Milford Graves and the eponymous New Zealand fjord. His melodic narrative, paired with Bro’s shimmering guitar lines and Cyrille’s gentle brushwork, crafts an evocative ballad that resonates with quiet intensity.

The playful Haiti introduces Konitz on soprano saxophone, an instrument he rarely played, adding an unexpected yet charming texture to the piece. Its lilting rhythm dances gracefully, contrasting with the structured, driving pulse of Aarhus. The latter showcases the ensemble’s remarkable cohesion, with dynamic shifts that lend the piece a soaring energy.

Pearl River ventures into more abstract territory, evoking the bustling yet serene ambiance of New York’s Chinatown. Here, Bro and Frisell weave intricate guitar textures that hover like mist, inviting listeners into an impressionistic soundscape. The saxophone-less Mar Del Plata concludes the album on a warm, reflective note. Delivered in a lilting 3/4 waltz, the piece highlights the ensemble’s restraint and collective artistry, revolving around a tender melody that lingers long after the final notes fade.

Throughout Taking Turns, Bro demonstrates his unparalleled ability to create atmospheric, emotionally resonant music. The album’s understated themes, vivid interplay, and spontaneity offer listeners an intimate journey that deepens with every listen. With its superb lineup and evocative compositions, Taking Turns stands as a quiet masterpiece and a vital chapter in Bro’s ever-evolving career.