Third Round

An intensified commitment to the French- African drummer's program of "beautifully mutated grooves and jazzy themes" (to quote the Guardian) distinguishes Manu Katché's third ECM album. Inside an all-new line-up, bassist Pino Palladino nonchalantly reinforces the groove element - both have much shared history as session players - and helps the pulses of Manu's tunes to dance. Pianist Jason Rebello has both delicacy of touch and energy to burn, sax man Tore Brunborg, currently playing at the top of his game, solos passionately and guest guitarist Jacob Young shades and colors a handful of pieces, while Kami Lyle adds a solitary innocent vocal to "Stay with You". Katché's resume is both enormous and impressive, with touring & recording projects for Peter Gabriel, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Gloria Estefan, Michael McDonald, Black Eyed Peas, Simple Minds, Afro Celt Sound System, Jeff Beck, Al DiMeola, Tears for Fears, Dire Straits, Jan Garbarek, Loreena McKennitt, Youssou N'Dour, Robbie Robertson, Joe Satriani, Tori Amos, the Bee Gees, Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman, Bob James, Gipsy Kings and myriad others. He has even found time to issue a drum demo for the Zildjian cymbal company!