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JASON STEIN’S LOCKSMITH ISIDORE Live in Ulrichsberg
5 out of 6 stars

Since the incomparable Eric Dolphy brought the bass clarinet to jazz in the 60s, the bass clarinet is a frequently used secondary instrument for saxophonists. Only a few focus entirely on the grumpy, almost a bit headstrong-looking device. The German Rudi Mahall is one of them. He  performed in early December as part of Phonomanie IX in Ulrichsberg. Another, from the jazz metropolis of Chicago, is Jason Stein, who made music with his trio Locksmith Isidore on Saturday, January 16 in the Jazz Workshop. First Stein blew an unaccompanied solo. In the truest sense of the word, his technique is breathtaking, endless lines, lots of air, breathy and groans. He reaches astonishing heights, making music with a bit of supercooled, but bubbling under the surface intense passion. After the break Stein was joined by bassist Jason Röbke and the drummer Mike Pride, two outstanding young representatives of the Chicago scene. Tight, compact pieces are based on extensive soloist digressions. Impeccably toothed, highly communicative act, the three on the best terms. Beautiful free jazz is the theme, including swinging and very focused on the slower blues numbers. Ornette Coleman, Jimmy Giuffre, and the above-mentioned Eric Dolphy are all saluted. (haun)