Hank Roberts in Linz: It started cerebral and ended in furioso

For many years the cello played a modest role in jazz. Many a great bass player – such as Oscar Pettiford or Ron Carter – used it as a second instrument. In the meantime it has arrived at the center of the genre and, thanks to experts such as Eric Friedlander, Vincent Courtois or Tomeka Reid, is present in a wide variety of styles. Also plays since the 80s HankRoberts in this league, on Monday the American made a guest appearance at Linz’s C. Bechstein Center with his current trio (Aruán Ortiz/piano, Matt Wilson/drums).

It starts out a little clumsy. Some may have wondered where jazz is. Roberts writes lengthy, complex pieces with much notation, composition and improvisation flowing together. Even drummer Wilson has sheet music in front of him. Roberts prefers the strong bowed cello, rarely plucking in the tried and tested jazz style. On one track, he plays a thoughtful, long intro that leads the trio into hearty swing, the cellist does the walking bass, and the effervescent enthusiasm makes the audience smile. The pianist Aruán Ortiz is a surprise for many, his unaccompanied solo is grandiose, which increases from set single notes to a powerful furioso. (haun)