Album Review: Birds Of A Feather by David Friedman & Jasper Van't Hof
Let’s cut to the chase—Birds Of A Feather is one of those jazz albums that sneaks up on you like a cat in socks. Released back in 1999 under Germany’s Traumton Records, this Contemporary Jazz gem pairs vibraphonist/marimba wizard David Friedman with piano maestro Jasper Van’t Hof. Together, they craft an album that feels less like background music and more like your quirky uncle telling stories over coffee—warm, unpredictable, and occasionally baffling but always worth sticking around for.
The vibe? Think smooth textures punctuated by moments of playful chaos. It’s not overly polished, which works perfectly for its genre. If you’re into contemporary jazz that doesn’t take itself too seriously (but still has enough chops to impress), this might just be your jam.
Track Highlights
Now, let’s zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me because, honestly, trying to unpack all ten would feel like reading War and Peace without caffeine.
1. "Savanna Rainbow"
This track hits differently. From the opening notes, it feels like stepping into a dreamy African savanna at sunset—if sunsets had soundtracks made entirely of marimbas and keys. Friedman’s vibraphone work here dances so effortlessly between playful and contemplative that you almost forget how hard it must’ve been to pull off. Meanwhile, Van’t Hof lays down these cascading piano lines that remind you why he’s considered one of the greats. What makes “Savanna Rainbow” memorable isn’t just its melody—it’s the way it builds tension and release like a rollercoaster ride through clouds. By the end, you’ll either want to paint something or lie down in a field somewhere staring at the sky. Either reaction means it worked.
2. "Picnic At The Mozarteum"
Okay, first off—the title alone deserves applause. Who even thinks of having a picnic near Mozart’s old stomping grounds? These guys, apparently. The track starts innocently enough, with gentle vibes from Friedman setting the scene. Then Van’t Hof comes in like, “Hold my beer,” and suddenly we’re no longer eating ham sandwiches; we’re solving existential crises while listening to birds chirp. There’s a cheekiness to this tune, as if the musicians are winking at each other across their instruments. And yet, there’s also depth—a sense of nostalgia mixed with curiosity about where the next note will lead. You can practically hear them smirking during the recording session.
Random Thoughts & Reflections
One thing I love about Birds Of A Feather is how unpretentious it feels. Sure, these guys are ridiculously talented, but they don’t beat you over the head with it. Instead, they invite you into their musical sandbox, handing you a shovel and saying, “Here, dig around a bit.”
But here’s the kicker: despite being released in 1999, this album could easily pass for something recorded today. Maybe it’s the timeless quality of good jazz, or maybe it’s just proof that some things never go out of style—like vibraphones, marimbas, and people who know how to use them properly.
Final thought: If you ever find yourself stuck in traffic or waiting in line at the DMV, throw on Birds Of A Feather. It won’t make time move faster, but it’ll make you care a little less. And really, isn’t that what great music’s all about?
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