On Picc Pocket, Erica von Kleist puts the piccolo front and center in a straight-ahead jazz setting, turning what could have been a novelty into a sharp, swinging, and surprisingly full-bodied musical statement. Joined by Yago Vazquez on piano, Noriko Ueda on bass, Anton Kot on drums, John Ellis on tenor saxophone, and Jennifer Krupa […]
On Picc Pocket, Erica von Kleist puts the piccolo front and center in a straight-ahead jazz setting, turning what could have been a novelty into a sharp, swinging, and surprisingly full-bodied musical statement. Joined by Yago Vazquez on piano, Noriko Ueda on bass, Anton Kot on drums, John Ellis on tenor saxophone, and Jennifer Krupa on trombone, von Kleist leads a lively program of original compositions written specifically for this project, giving the instrument room to dart, sing, and cut through the ensemble with personality and command. The result is playful without being lightweight, energetic without feeling overworked, and rooted in the kind of smart ensemble chemistry that makes the unusual concept feel completely natural. Featuring original compositions by von Kleist, the album feels reveals an artist pushing both her instrument and her musical voice into refreshingly original territory.
