Gebhard Ullmann's Basement Research - 'Hat & Shoes' album review

Gebhard Ullmann’s band, Basement Research, has been making music for 20 years. The band’s seventh CD titled Hat & Shoes, is Ullmann’s 50th CD as a leader/co-leader. The band is comprised of Ullmann, who besides composing all of the album's tracks, is a multi-instrumentalist, playing both the tenor saxophone and bass clarinet on the CD, trombonist Steve Swell, Julian Argüelles on the baritone saxophone, bassist Pascal Niggenkemper and drummer Gerald Cleaver. The CD was released on February 10 from the Between the Lines label.

The opening track titled “Trinidad Walk,” according to the CD’s liner notes, “is an older piece that was inspired by a trip to the Caribbean.” It has a jazzy bass intro from Niggenkemper with Cleaver’s expert drumming as accompaniment. Then, Swell’s trombone enters the melody in a booming way as he goes to town showing his prowess on his instrument.

“Flutist with Hat And Shoes” is the album’s third track. Swell’s poignant solo trombone intro will undoubtedly draw listeners in. It might also have them envisioning hearing this song in a dramatic film where the male lead character has just lost the love of his life and is now just roaming the barren night streets aimlessly wondering what to do next. Then, Argüelles’ baritone sax play makes the track’s tone even sadder with Cleaver drumming lightly in the background.

The album’s second track is titled “Wo bitte geht’s zu den Hackeschen Hofen?” which in English translates to, “Which way to Hackesche Höte.” Again, according to the album’s liner notes, this track “describes the swarm of tourists in the middle of Berlin.” The frenzied bass clarinet play from Ullmann along with Niggenkemper’s bass play and Cleaver’s resounding drum work reinforce the craziness of Germany’s capital city that Ullmann and the others are trying to musically convey.

“Don’t Touch My Music” is the album’s fourth track. It has a bluesy vibe to it, which is accomplished by Argüelles’ baritone sax being prominent from the start. Listeners could imagine hearing this song being played at a trendy jazz club in their city where the drinks are flowing and patrons are either connecting or striking out. Then, Swell’s trombone adds to the low tone of the song. Argüelles’ baritone sax and Ullmann’s bass clarinet arrive a bit later and they pick up its tempo a bit, but the track still maintains its quelled rhythm.

The album’s closing track, which is titled “Gulf of Berlin,” was originally from Ullmann’s “Berlin Suite.” Ullmann’s quick, adept tenor sax play opens the track. Then, Swell’s trombone play subtlety makes its presence known along with Cleaver’s delicate drumming and Niggenkemper’s subdued bass play in the background.

In conclusion, Hat & Shoes, the seventh CD from Gebhard Ullmann’s band, Basement Research, is a shining example of how 20 years as a band has enabled these musicians to hone their skills on their specific instruments, perfect their cohesiveness as a group and produce an album that devoted jazz fans will really appreciate.