Jørgen Emborg Quartet - What’s Left?

The Guardian 80

(Stunt)

Jørgen Emborg has been compared to Keith Jarrett, although I don’t hear much resemblance. What does stand out in these 10 pieces by the Danish pianist-composer is an attractive tunefulness that’s not as simple as it sounds on first hearing. His beautifully integrated quartet features a young newcomer, Mathias Heise, who plays the chromatic harmonica with the pinpoint articulation of a flute. The unison passages between him and Emborg on a tricky number such as That’s Why are really something. Perhaps inevitably, the high point is Emborg’s lament for the late virtuoso of the jazz harmonica Toots Thielemans, with the composer whistling an immaculate second part alongside Heise. Gorgeous.