Philip Weberndoerfer, Tides Review

Riding the Currents: A Review of Tides by Philip Weberndoerfer

By Nolan DeBuke

Released on August 23, 2024, by Shifting Paradigm Records, Tides is a contemporary jazz album that sounds of Philip Weberndoerfer’s lyrical guitar style and thoughtful compositions. It weaves together themes of emotional ebb and flow with engaging compositions, arrangements, ensemble interactions, and solos. Accompanied by Richard Mikel on bass, Peter Traunmueller on drums, and featuring Dayna Stephens on saxophone for select tracks, this nine-track album invites listeners into a contemporary jazz setting that is highly musical.

Weberndoerfer is renowned for his emotive, fluid guitar work, which balances technical abilities with heartfelt storytelling. With Tides, he crafts a narrative steeped in contrasts—tranquil introspection juxtaposed with energetic surges. The album title metaphorically captures the rise and fall of sentiments, mirroring how jazz can ebb into serene passages and surge into impassioned improvisations.

The album effectively integrates influences from classic jazz, folk jazz, and modern harmonic sensibilities. Weberndoerfer’s phrasing nods to the lyrical qualities of elements of cool jazz and post-bop pioneers while introducing contemporary elements akin to contemporary jazz guitar vocabulary structures. Notably, in “Low Gravity,” listeners may recognize modal harmonic structures reminiscent of 1960s post-bop traditions, while the melodic phrasing in “Simple Task” conjures the emotive storytelling of Scandinavian jazz ballads. His collaboration with Stephens enriches the album’s dialogue further, as saxophone melodies intertwine with the guitar, enhancing the energy and colors of the musical interplay within the ensemble. There is also a subtle motif snaking through the album that echos both American and European jazz influences.

Tides flows with purpose, guiding listeners through an emotional journey shaped by dynamic contrasts between the feels and style of the originals and arrangements. The album opens with “Little B’s Poem,” an ingenious arrangement that sets the creative tone for the set, followed by the energetic pulse of “Low Gravity,” where Stephens’ saxophone dances over the buoyant rhythm section of Traunmueller and Mikel. This rise in energy creates a sense of anticipation that is later balanced by the reflective “Peace of Constance,” where warm guitar lines and expressive melodic arcs from the saxophone form a setting of calm. The mix of European and American jazz is potent here. The subtle rhythmic interplay in “My Ideal” and Suspense and Certainty contrasts with the propulsive drive of “Simple Task,” offering a satisfying resolution through the ensemble’s vibrant chemistry and interactions.

Weberndoerfer’s arrangements and compositions are rich with detail, unveiling seamless transitions between composed sections and improvisation. His guitar tone—warm, resonant, and steeped in tradition—flows through the lineage of Jim Hall to Pat Metheny, embodying note clarity and acoustic warmth. His touch on the guitar is deeply expressive, effortlessly conveying legato phrases alongside rhythmically accented motifs with precision and emotion. His solos build fluidly, each idea blossoming into the next with a sense of organic movement and narrative purpose.

These qualities are evident across all of his solos, where his technical acuity meets emotional depth. Tracks like “Peace of Constance” exemplify this synthesis, where he moves seamlessly between lyrical introspection and rhythmic intensity. Stephens’ contributions elevate tracks like “Salted Sweets” and “Simple Task,” where his expressive phrasing adds depth to the melodic narrative. The rhythm section of Mikel and Traunmueller provides a solid yet fluid foundation, responding intuitively to the soloists.

Tides exemplifies Weberndoerfer’s ability to weave stories through music, blending serenity with bursts of creative spontaneity. This album affirms his place among contemporary jazz guitarists who push boundaries while honoring tradition and deepening his artistic legacy by contributing to the evolving dialogue of contemporary jazz. The balance of thoughtful arrangements and collaborative spirit reinforces the importance of Tides in shaping modern jazz narratives and connecting listeners to a lineage that respects the past while innovating for the future.

For listeners who admire contemporary jazz storytelling with compositional depth, Tides is an essential listen. Its emotive interplay and intricate textures make it an accessible and rewarding experience for music fans, especially jazz guitarists.

Tags: Philip Weberndoerfer, Tides, Jazz Guitar, Contemporary Jazz, Cool Jazz, Post-Bop, Album Review.