Mareike Wiening Quintet

A pleasant contemporary effort by a New York-based international combo, Future Memories shows that German drummer Mareike Wiening, who composed all the tracks, hasn’t lost her knack for writing rhythmically expressive tunes. Despite a Covid restriction-induced separation from the band, she managed to craft some more adventurous lines here.

Playing the music with the same mixture of restraint and rectitude is mostly the same cast as the band’s last disc. Glenn Zaleski has replaced Dan Tepfer as pianist without harm to the interpretations. Along with tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, he maintains the number of native-born American in the group. Bassist Johannes Fischer is another German and guitarist Alex Goodman is Canadian.

Zaleski’s usual role is to extend the narrative function, often repeating riffs in tandem with Goodman, whose frails and twangs move in cross pulsations. Perry is the melody person with an amalgam of modernized Cool and Bop references, though more steam could be put into his note-perfect renditions. Wiening confirms her instrumental skill, adding cymbal sizzles and pilled on ruffs when needed.

Fischer’s walking bass line helps to direct “RiChanges”, one of the notable tracks which balances on a tap-dancing-like beat. The drummer’s ratamacue provide the ballast, and if the saxophonist hadn’t appeared anxious about coloring outside the lines, his beginning slurs and slathers could have developed into something more formidable. With its conspicuous percussion pattern “El Escorial” also stands out. The guitarist’s hard-edged tone and descending vibrations help elongate the exposition. Finally, Goodman’s double-time runs moving up the scale, coupled with drum clashing help define the piece.

An accomplished effort from Wiening and the quintet that show that musical standards have been maintained. But next time out a little more looseness and sweat would be welcome.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Northern Sail 2. El Escorial 3. An Idea is Unpredictable 4. RiChanges 5. Future Memories 6. The Other Soul 7. Seesaw March 8. Dance Into July

Personnel: Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Glenn Zaleski (piano); Alex Goodman (guitar); Johannes Felscher (bass) and Mareike Wiening (drums)