Jasper Blom Quartet with Metropole Orkest

(Whirlwind Recordings)

By  https://downbeat.com/site/author/ed-enright" rel="nofollow - Ed Enright   |   Published May 2025 

On Metropolarity, tenor saxophonist Jasper Blom, a pivotal force on the vibrant Dutch jazz scene, is joined by his quartet colleagues of 20 years to perform new versions of his original compositions in collaboration with the 50-strong Metropole Orkest, the Netherlands-based non-classical orchestra celebrated for its forward-facing creative vision and long history of collaboration with progressive-minded popular artists from Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock to Jacob Collier, Snarky Puppy and DOMi & JD BECK. Metropole’s signature blend of daring orchestration and melodic accessibility makes it an especially appropriate fit for Blom’s advanced yet engaging writing style. The symbiotic virtuosity of Blom and his heavyweight quartet mates — guitarist Jesse Van Ruller, bassist Frans Van Der Hoeven and drummer Martijn Vink — blooms brilliantly in the orchestra’s verdant garden bed, which serves to extend the core combo in both supporting and interactive roles. A striking blend of the leader’s innovative compositions, the quartet’s tight, intuitive improvisations and the majestic sweep of the Metropole Orkest (conducted here by the formidable Christian Elsässer interpreting exquisitely crafted charts by esteemed large-ensemble arrangers Jochen Neuffer, Damiano Pascarelli, Calle Rasmussen, Callum Au, Rob Horsting and Elsässer himself), Metropolarity is a fitting and monumental tribute to Blom’s distinguished career at the front ranks of European jazz performers, composers, collaborators and bandleaders.

from https://downbeat.com