Reflexionen Live

by Steven LoewyRecorded relatively early in Leimgruber's career, this album features the saxophonist with a solid rhythm section in an expansive though largely "inside" performance of four original pieces (three by the saxophonist and one by pianist Don Friedman). Friedman is not particularly associated with the sort of free blowing for which Leimgruber came to be known, but here his romantic style that gently pushes the edges fits well. While this outing is hardly revolutionary, and the mood is more often than not subdued, it does produce some moments of intense interaction and creative interplay. As is his trademark, Leimgruber performs with technical proficiency on soprano, bass, and tenor saxophones, varying velocity and timbres. His fluid solos encompass advanced technique, but he subordinates it to the essence of the tunes, digging in hard, and loosening the harmonies. Bassist Bobby Burri and drummer Joël Allouche are competent in support, but it is Leimgruber and Friedman who split the lion's share of solo space. This one does have its moments, but there are better examples of Leimgruber available.