Kim Barth and Michael P. Mossman

More than a decade after they met for the first time in New York, Germany-based saxophonist and flutist Kim Barth and trumpeter Michael Philip Mossman meet again within the framework of a common project. Both composers and arrangers, they have written a series of original pieces and suites that they tailored on musicians whom they had invited to be part of their formation.

As the name of the project lets it be inferred, Late Night Coffee is a strong blend and the "brewed" compositions  provide high level of energy. A lineup of strong personalities coming from the wide span of jazz and Latin music was for project initiator Kim Barth a guarantee for unique flavour notes and an explosive band. Californian drummer Cliff  Almond best known for his work with Michel Camilo, guitarist Paulo Morello who accompanied Jimmy Smith on his last tour, conga player Heinrich Klingmann and, last but not least, Brazilian bassist Dudu Penz, one of the best Latin bass players in Europe, known for his work with Celia Cruz and Oscar de León.

When the sextet met  to rehearse in Germany the first time, not a single word about phrasing or interpretation had to be uttered. The chemistry between the musicians was there as Kim Barth and Michael P. Mossman had anticipated. The greatest of ease with which they play together and the accuracy of the responds they give to one another's performance at the right point within the rhythm demonstrate not only good instrumental techniques but extensive knowledge of Jazz and Brazilian as well as Afro Cuban styles. During the sax chorus on "Down in Dumbo" for example, as Dudu Penz starts playing the Cachao, a complexe rhythmic bass line invented by Cuban Legend Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Cliff Almond right away joins him  in this pattern, a dynamic that, in turn, moves the soloist to break the rhythm of his improvised lines. Drawing on unlimited resources, the sextet masterly renders the arrangements which are written in such a way that each musician can give free rein to their creativity and add their personal touch. And it is this "diversity in unity" that lends high musical quality to Late Night Coffee.

 Kim Barth and Michael P. Mossman do not include the piano which, as a key instrument of salsa music, would be expected in Latin jazz arrangements. Instead, they use the jazz guitar which they include in the melody voices. They superpose the bass and guitar voicings, and the two horns in changing structures, using a dense rhythm as well as a developing form. This writing technique has the effect of increasing the intensity of the melody voices, giving a full and powerful sound which is, considering a pianoless 2-horn Quintet, quite uncommon. Especially manifest on "Spanish Fire" and "Tempel of Dendur", this effect is possibly what leads listening audience to say that "this sextet sounds like a Big Band".

Album Release: in progress

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