Search - Dick de Graaf, Jeroen van Vliet, Guus Bakker :: Moving Target

All About Jazz review:

Possessing a tight sound that cuts through the rest of the band, saxophonist Dick de Graaf spins lines and ideas with abandon on Moving Target. If an album can be thought of as a calling card that gives an idea of how the band would sound live, then this album should produce plenty of gigs.
Crackling with energy and fine band interplay from beginning to end, Moving Target contains ten originals, of which Deka Deka and the title tune are rearrangements of compositions from earlier times. De Graaf is most certainly eclectic in his influences and inspirations, which include such rock icons as Jimi Hendrix and The Who, as well as classical composers Franz Schubert and Ludwig van Beethoven. It shows in the range of styles on display here.
Each tune shows its Bartokian connection in a different way and with differing clarity. De Graaf is never overt about what he is doing, and implies Bartok with much subtlety and wit. However, a listener familiar with the composer should easily be able to hear the stylistic references, despite how deeply they are fused with straight-ahead jazz.

Taken together, the ten tracks display de Graaf's compositional gift as well as his improvisational prowess. The band is more than anyone can ask for, playing with fire and extremely sharp musical reflexes, making Moving Target a winning mainstream record.

Track listing: Cascade; A Touch of Bela; Deka Deka; Stolen Dream; Climate Change; Why Birds Always Sing; Moving Target; Handiclap; Somsok Orkim Saleb II; Demasque.

Personnel: Dick de Graaf: tenor and soprano sax; Jeroen van Vliet: piano, Fender Rhodes; Guus Bakker: acoustic and electric bass; Pascal Vermeer: drums.