Daniel Erdmann’s Velvet Revolution feat. Théo Ceccaldi and Jim Hart – A Short Moment of Zero G
(BMC CD239 . CD review by Nick Davies) 

Daniel Erdmann, already an active member and co-leader of many bands, has searched long and hard to establish Velvet Revolution, the perfect trio of musicians to deliver fresh music, improvised in relation to Erdmann’s composition.

A Short Moment of Zero G, showcases Erdmann as a gifted composer and tenor saxophonist, allowing his talented counterparts, Théo Ceccaldi on violin and viola and Jim Hart on vibraphone, the freedom to impose their unique style on this exciting album. This, in my opinion, is nothing short of inspired.

The album is released on the Hungarian label BMC, a label that is growing in strength with a number of excellent releases. A Short Moment of Zero G runs to 11 tracks and, although this a is a jazz album, the length of each average around 4 minutes long which is unusual for this genre but may well be long enough to entice the non-jazz listener.

Titles, I believe, are always an indication of the music contained within. Erdmann was particularly inventive with intriguing titles on this album like A Pair of Lost Kites Hurrying Towards Heaven and ‘Quand j’etas petit je rêvais d’etre pauvre’ (When I was little I dreamed of being poor).

Song titles are only part of the package however; the music has to be just as strong to have the desired effect. Upon first listen, the partnership of the composition with each member of the trio leading and the other members improvising around it works a treat. On the first track, A Pair of Kites Hurrying Towards Heaven Ceccaldi’s strings take the lead while Hart’s vibes and Erdmann’s saxophone create a rich tapestry around the rhythm. This theme continues throughout the album with Erdmann taking lead on track 4 Quand j’etas petit je rêvais d’etre pauvre and Hart on the title track, A Short Moment Of Zero G.

This is a trio which functions without the rhythmic propulsion of either a drummer or bassist, but that enables Erdmann to use each musician to their individual strengths and to find different and imaginative ways of setting, defining and leaning into the pulse.

From start to finish, the listener is taken on a journey of musical colour through composition and intelligent improvisation. The tightness of this dynamic band is evident in each track. Overall, A Short Moment of Zero G is a great listen, complete with impressive tunes, peppered with surprises and irrepressible musicality on every track.