Bassist Miroslav Vitous made his bones in the late sixties and early seventies as both player and composer for the original lineup of Weather Report, not to mention as a major contributor to pianist Chick Corea’s landmark trio album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs. But he’s been a leader on his own albums for ECM since the late seventies, and he’s never rested on any laurels in doing it. Thus Mountain Call, which combines three different sets of players into a remarkable program that threads the needle between jazz and classical musics.
Vitous opens the album with a four-song mini-set featuring duets with late clarinetist Michel Portal that sound like two old friends having a truly interesting conversation – interesting enough that more of its appear throughout the record, including at the very end. The bassist also pairs with another sadly passed old pal – his Corea rhythm partner Jack DeJohnette joins Vitous on the sprightly “Tribal Dance” and “Epilog.” The late kit master also helps Vitous power “Evolution,” a lush and melodic three-part suite also starring woodwinds guru Bob Mintzer on bass clarinet. The record’s highlight may be “Rhapsody,” a five-parter with its composer backed by drummer Gerald Cleaver, saxophonist Gary Campbell, and, singing the leader’s own libretto, Esperanza Spalding. It’s the most overtly jazzy piece on the album, and draws us in with melody, energy, and enthusiasm.
Besides his duties as bassist and composer, Vitous also adds tasteful orchestrations with members of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and samples so subtle they’re nearly impossible to detect (but would probably leave noticeable holes if they weren’t there) – all of which ties the tunes together into a smoothly packaged statement. Despite the different sessions, Mountain Call is a well-rounded, thoughtfully-conceived, and just plain enjoyable listen that’s a highlight of its creator’s diverse catalog.
