Joachim Schoenecker - In the Moment (2001)

Guitarist Joachim Schoenecker makes a strong impression with his auspicious quartet CD. With the very much in-demand saxophonist Chris Potter, along with the seasoned veterans John Goldsby on bass and Adam Nussbaum on drums, Schoenecker's ambitious release has no fewer than eight originals. Things start well with the tender ballad "Better Than Words"; it's followed by the catchy but brisk "Taxi of the Desert." Both songs have exquisite solos by Potter (on soprano sax) and the leader. "Analog Guy" is an up-tempo blues bursting with energy and an intricate bassline by Goldsby in support of Schoenecker's blistering solo. Schoenecker's acoustic guitar is unaccompanied for Duke Ellington's classic ballad "Day Dream," during which his playing could easily be mistaken for an established veteran like Martin Taylor. Goldsby contributed the moody "De Haan," which starts with his dark bass solo, then the pace picks up a bit as the full quartet saunters through its twisting path. The finale, "Three," is a live duo recording with Potter (on tenor sax) marking the first time that they actually worked together; in spite of a bad case of jet lag, his big tone meshes well with Schoenaker in this delightful waltz. Recommended.~In the Moment Review by Ken Dryden