For this date, pianist
DeJonge added Kollektief co-members
Willem Breuker and Alex Coke to his regular trio, but the potential of such an ensemble isn't reached. The main problem is
DeJonge's own compositions which, while exhibiting a certain attractive ungainliness, strike the listener as rather thin and, with the occasional exception, don't appear to offer the adventurous improviser much in the way of meat in which to dig. This is odd coming from the composer of the absolutely delightful "Hopsa, Hopsa" from the Kollektief's In Holland album, but few of the pieces here approach it in melodic depth or rhythmic vitality.
DeJonge himself is a fluid and accomplished pianist and his work here is perfectly adequate, as is that of his compatriots, but only rarely does it rise above that level. Breuker and Coke attempt to take it outside on occasion, but are unable to alter the generally staid character of this session. Not a bad album but, considering the quality and past history of the musicians involved, a disappointing one. ~ Brian Olewnick