Sid Hille’s lyrical quintet

A fresh newcomer in the field of jazz, Infinita Quintet represents a somewhat rare Finnish-Italian collaboration. The members of this quintet are no fresh faces – they are some of the best jazz musicians from both countries. Even though Infinita Quintet is a band, it is personified by pianist Sid Hille, who has composed most of the album’s new material. Saxophonist Massimo Carboni shared production responsibilities with him.

In Hille’s compositions, there is usually a fascinating tension between traditionally beautiful tonal melodies and atonality that breaks apart the order. This album is focused more on the beautifully melodic and lyrical side to a surprising extent. The compositions are so strong that it is probably the right decision to construct the album around them and to let the melodies speak for themselves. Everything really does not need to be reinvented every time. If what you have to say carries enough weight, the traditional jazz ‘grammar’ might be an even better way of getting the message through.

The quintet takes on the sparse and melodic compositions in a pleasant way, and its playing drifts ahead with ease. The sound quality is top-class.

Listen to Night Shift from Time Continuum

Translation: Jonathan Mander