The Belgian trumpet player Bert Joris followed a classical conservatory training, but switched to jazz. He was associated with the BRT Jazz Orchestra for a long time, initially as a trumpet player and later as a composer-arranger and guest conductor. He now fulfills that role for many major jazz orchestras and big bands. In 1992 he started an intense collaboration with guitarist Philip Catherine.
He also formed his own Quartet with pianist Dado Moroni, drummer Dre Pallemaerts and bassist Philippe Aerts. At Magone, this group shows that in the years of its existence it has grown into a close-knit ensemble. Joris himself plays in the spirit of Miles, including the thin sound of the harmon mute and the warmth of the fluegelhorn. Dado Moroni is a fine pianist who puts his perfect technique entirely at the service of the music. Pallemaerts and Aerts form a tasteful rhythm tandem that gives this quartet a considerable drive. With this CD Bert Joris shows once again that a role as a band leader, composer and trumpet player for a smaller ensemble also suits him well. (HB)more