Largely inspired by a novel by the iconoclastic
Jean Cocteau,
Make Believe brings together an extraordinary quintet to perform trumpeter/ flugelhornist
Franz Koglmann's provocative and even controversial compositions and arrangements.
Koglmann has always rejected popular paths and instead forged a sort of chamber jazz, often focusing on slow and carefully drawn lines that seem to gently disappear or dissipate. The horns grasp the trumpeter's ideas well, as
Tony Coe is a joy on reeds while French hornist
Tom Varner adds lots of color (and some nice solos) to the mix. Rounding out the group are marvelously pointillistic guitarist
Brad Shepik and the wonderfully energetic bassist
Peter Herbert. While the individual solos fit handsomely, it is the trumpeter's vision that ultimately takes the cake. ~ Steven Loewy