French drummer and percussionist Manu Katché has an impressive track record in the rock world. He played an important role on Peter Gabriel's album So (1986), after which Sting, Jeff Beck, Simple Minds, Eurythmics and Robbie Robertson lined up for him. Via saxophonist Jan Garbarek and his album Ragas And Sagas (1990) he ended up with the prestigious German chamber jazz label ECM where he made his
… debut under his own name with Neighborhood in 2005. This self-titled album is now his fourth for the label of producer Manfred Eicher. What is particularly striking is that his rock background hardly manifests itself on this. The album offers a laidback mix of hard bop and chamber jazz. Playful themes are touched on by trumpet player Nils Petter Molvær (someone who doesn't shy away from rock on his own records), saxophonist Tore Brunborg and organist Jim Watson, but Katché's dancing grooves (without bassist) mainly support the solos of all members. They sound neat, atmospheric and melodic, but it doesn't want to get really exciting anywhere. (MR)more