Scheidt, Holger - The Tides Of Life CD (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-ENJ 9619
“When most people think of autobiography, they probably think of printed matter, such as a memoir. But jazz albums can also be a documentary of an artist’s existence. For example, there’s The Tides of Life, the third release from bassist/composer Holger Scheidt (and his first on the Enja label). Scheidt’s six lengthy tracks (which range from six to over nine minutes long) depict six distinct moods which individuals typically experience. These moods, Scheidt states, are “completely subjective,” and he cites “I am seeking to describe a classic, timeless and universal dramaturgy of human life.” Scheidt’s approach is to go from negative to positive, which is why his CD commences with compositions which touch on “Failure,” “Desperation” and “Rage,” and then move up to “Calm,” “Hope” and “Triumph.”
Scheidt uses his group to embrace associations to 1960s quintets by Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. Scheidt remarks this is his particular favorite era of jazz history, and his quintet supports his vision to craft an aesthetic which evokes that period without mimicking any identifiable LP or group.
“Failure” echoes the title’s discrete temperament with a melancholy, atmospheric structure which utilizes a descending pattern and rubato pulse. “Desperation” is also a dramatic number. The bop-inclined “Rage,” on the other hand, is (not surprisingly) a fast-sprinted cut with a swelling theme, stoked tenor sax and quick-paced drums.
Down-tempo ambiance is the foremost feature on the ballad “Calm,” where a beautiful, engaging theme flourishes via trumpet. The shortest track is “Hope,” which is a mid-tempo charmer, highlighted by tenor sax/piano unison passages. The most colorful tune is the finale, “Triumph.” There is a fanfare-like principal theme built on persistent piano chords. Since this composition heralds a winning position, there is more solo room for the quintet members.
Scheidt’s latest outing, The Tides of Life, may be bordered by a conceptual framework, but inside that narrative outline listeners will find celebratory material which recalls a time of straightforward jazz when memorable themes and intuitive musical chemistry were assured.”-Doug Simpson