Sean Bergin - Mob Mobiel (2003)

Sax player and band leader Sean Bergin is an institution in Amsterdam. He may display less pyrotechnics than Han Bennink and his long-standing group may have been eclipsed by the Willem Breuker Kollektief and the ICP Orchestra, but he nevertheless personifies the "New Dutch Swing" as defined by jazz critic Kevin Whitehead. Mob Mobiel adds another proof that his writing remains vital, quirky and entertaining. This album has been culled from four concerts at the BIMhuis in March 2002. The line-up changed every night, but maintained its ranks to 10 to 11 musicians. The credits list reads like a who's who of creative jazz from Amsterdam. The core of the group consists of Bergin, Jan Willem van der Ham, Eric Boeren, Franky Douglas, Ernst Glerum and Han Bennink. The music, always lively, draws from Swing-era Big Band, circus music and free jazz. The main themes always have a directness to them, a catchy simplicity and bouncy character that gets you humming and tapping along instantly. Then the piece literally swells, the players pushing its contours in many directions at once until one of them breaks free to solo. Bergin keeps tight control of the group despite seemingly chaotic episodes. The set opens with "Hi There," a greeting Bergin sings crooner style. Highlights include a ripping clarinet solo from Ab Baars in "Bochten naar Beneden," the beautiful "Collina" led by a tender violin theme (Mary Oliver) and the closing "Snelweg" where Bergin blows a mean solo while leading the band with the help of a few meaningful grunts. Mob Mobiel is a festive set, typically wild and charming.