Philip Weberndoerfer : Tides Review

by Steven Miller

Released by Shifting Paradigm Records on August 23, 2024, Tides by Philip Weberndoerfer presents a deeply conceptual journey through the highs and lows of the human condition, a sonic portrayal of life’s ever-changing currents. Weberndoerfer, a German guitarist, draws upon his diverse influences, from European classical and gypsy music to the American Songbook, and uses these to craft a sound uniquely his own.

Since his arrival in New York City in 2016, Weberndoerfer has become a significant contributor to the jazz scene, with his work as a bandleader and sideman reflecting a distinctive voice. His music captures the resilience found within life’s challenges, shaped by collaborations with Richard Mikel (bass), Peter Traunmueller (drums), and the creative saxophone work of Dayna Stephens.

The atmosphere of “Low Gravity” reflects Weberndoerfer’s compositional skills. His melody and form are delicately balanced with harmonic twists, band hits, and a modern jazz aura. The track opens with a beautiful chordal melody by Weberndoerfer, setting the tone for the piece. The interesting harmonic twists and the rhythmic band hits contribute to a sense of weightlessness maintained throughout. Stephens’ saxophone solo is supple, deftly navigating the harmonic space with vibrant colors and melodies that build stories as they weave through the form. Weberndoerfer’s warm box guitar sound fills the space for his solo, his legato lines showcasing an impressive ability to accent notes with a strong pick attack while maintaining fluidity. Traunmueller’s interactive drumming adds a conversational texture, while Mikel’s bass is robust and foundational, providing a sense of grounding amidst the harmonic explorations.

“Simple Task” offers a slow-medium jazz blues with an expressive melody that brings a touch of straight-ahead jazz into this modern set. Weberndoerfer’s jazz blues language strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary jazz expressions. As his solo unfolds, his lines become increasingly active and intervallic, giving his playing a storied, conversational quality. Stephens’ saxophone solo continues in this vein, his expressive time feel adding elegance and fluidity, perfectly complementing Weberndoerfer’s explorative guitar work. Mikel’s bass lines provide a steady and rich bluesy flavor, further enhancing the piece’s classic yet fresh jazz vibe.

Weberndoerfer’s rendition of the classic jazz standard “My Ideal” is notable for its lyrical approach, presenting a grounded but modern reimagining of a beloved tune. His interplay with Mikel on bass is rich with subtle nuances, allowing each phrase of his solo to breathe and gain more depth into the time feel. The track pays homage to the classic jazz tradition while embedding Weberndoerfer’s personal creative twist, showcasing his deft touch on the guitar and his ability to express fluid musical emotions and colors.

Weberndoerfer’s compositions achieve a compelling balance between chordal density and lyrical melodies. His harmonic layering creates a dynamic soundscape that captures the listener’s imagination. His writing will keep you listening as it shifts between different feelings and styles. The two arrangements allow each musician to contribute a fresh take on well-known jazz progressions, resulting in a collective exploration of musical ideas that adds to the exploration through the jazz cannon.

Weberndoerfer’s guitar technique is marked by a clean, lyrical tone and an agile approach to single lines and chordal work. His classical influences meld seamlessly with his modern jazz sensibilities, creating a fluid and nuanced voice. His ability to combine intricately voiced chordal structures is impressive. His sense of time brings a clear, emotive quality to his single-line melodies, a hallmark of his playing.

One of the album highlights is the empathetic interplay between Weberndoerfer, Mikel, Traunmueller, and Stephens. Each musician contributes to the ebb and flow of the music, maintaining cohesion while allowing room for individual expression. The result is a dynamic musical conversation that reflects their shared understanding and musical trust, giving the music fluidity and energy that reflects embracing these cycles of listening and interacting.

Overall, Tides presents a cohesive journey through nine tracks of shifting musical landscapes. The empathetic collaboration between Weberndoerfer, Mikel, Traunmueller, and Stephens results in a unified sound that balances the structure of each piece, creating an album of lyrical melodies, harmonic depth, and impassioned solos. This allows the music to resonate deeply, offering the listener substance and inspiration.

With Tides, Philip Weberndoerfer offers an intricate and enjoyable modern jazz sound. His compositions and performances are filled with emotional honesty, making this album rewarding for those seeking depth and beauty in jazz music.