Desmyter is an obstinate improviser with a very original and recognisable sound. His compositions are never contrived or revolutionary, for that matter, yet they are contemporary and innovative.

He is particularly averse to vacant virtuosity and vain navel-gazing, and actively explores poignant hesitation. Every note, every chord counts. Maybe it is precisely that hesitation that led him to becoming a band leader only around his fortieth year.

Something to Share, however, hit the mark. The CD was exceedingly well received abroad as well as on home territory. There is the smoothest rhythm section, with bassist Manolo Cabras and drummer Marek Patrman. The crucial contribution, however, comes from the godfather of jazz in the Netherlands, John Ruocco. His unadorned style puts the whole thing under high voltage. There is enough room for collective improvisation and the awareness of a pleasing melody is never lost.

The Free Desmyter Quartet is one Belgian, an American, a Sardinian and a Czech, and do they form a tight unite! Four masters with their instrument, four eternal searchers who do not hesitate to wander up every path they come across.

(c) JazzLab Series 2009