Urban Hansson: All Of Me
Recorded: Sollentuna, Sweden, 2007
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
In a bold set of intimate duets pairing the flute with various instruments, Swedish flautist nee tenor sax man Urban Hansson offers a quirky smorgasbord of jazz standards, amid a smattering of interesting originals. His technique wavers between straightforward Herbie Mann-erisms and vintage Jethro Tull-ery at times and his approach on this particular cut recalls the initial, jazzier days of Ian Anderson. That said, Hansson’s “All of Me” is an entertaining listen, as he and guitarist Andreas Oberg give this old chestnut the jazz Manouche treatment.
Oberg introduces the track with enticing chord slapping and harp harmonics on his signature AJL grande bouche acoustic before launching into a spirited pompe, over which Hansson’s flute growls breathlessly. The young guitar phenom’s aggressive Django-style solo stands alone for two meaty choruses before the two bring the lively jam home. It may not be cutting-edge, but this version is still a fun romp that’s not hard on the ears.
Reviewer: Bill Barnes
Tags: 2000s jazz · all of me · flute
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