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Status Sphere
Ride Symbol Records
I am most familiar with the versatile pianist-composer Forrester from the Microscopic Septet. Tenor saxophonist Dieterle is new to me. Originally from Chicago, he has been part of the New York scene for the past decade and recently been a member of Forrester's quartet. This recording is centered around the music of Thelonious Monk as the two perform 6 Monk compositions (one in two takes). Forrester wrote five originals in a Monk-inspired vein. The inspiration of Monk is also reflected in the album title and this CD's cover, which is a play on the cover of the classic Riverside album, "Monk's Music" with two spheres sitting in a red child's wagon.
Forrester is a marvelous pianist who brings a bit of stride in his playing while Dieterle impresses with his hearty, but lyrical playing. Forrester leaves plenty of space in his playing if not quite as spare or quirky as Monk himself. Dieterle plays with restraint, and the performances breathe with a relaxed lyrical quality as they nourish the roots Monk's compositions provide.
Two poignant takes of "Crepuscule With Nellie" stand out, as does the evocative beauty of the duo's interpretations of "Ruby My Dear" and "Pannonica." Of the originals, "Mock Time," one of Forrester's originals, charms with their bouncy performance. Another original "About Francoise" is a contrafact of "I Can't Get Started. It is a showcase for Dieterle's marvelous ballad playing. While the publicity materials suggest his playing recalls Charlie Rouse, I observe his playing touches the listener similarly to Houston Person or Eric Anderson as well as rouse.
The remainder of "Status Sphere" is as marvelous as the selections I have highlighted. The two are excellent interpreters of Monk's compositions who honor Monk's legacy with the splendid playing on this release.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here are Dieterle and Forrester, as members of Forrester's Quartet performing "About Francoise."
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