Search - Christof Knoche :: Line Zero

Not always melodic, but deeply interesting

James E. Pendergrass | Durham, NC United States | 05/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Throughout this album, Knoche seems to make his alto and soprano saxes whine, cry, and yes, even speak. This is sometimes achieved at the cost of melody, however, preventing me from rating it five stars. In fact, Knoche drifts toward "free jazz" often enough that my first thought was of a three-star rating, but his compositions are interesting enough to overcome his own inconsistent playing.The real stars of this set are the other three members of the quartet, whose performances make it accessible to more traditional jazz ears. Russ Johnson's trumpet, Dan Weiss's drumming, and Bob Bowen's bass are all so effective and enjoyable that I can't help imagining them in a trio, with Knoche serving only as their composer.Their best is saved for the last track, "The Dazzle", which is so good it might alone be responsible for one of the four stars I ultimately give the album.Give it a try, but be willing to listen more than once before judging. This is one of those that may grow on you, rather than sweep you off your feet."