Pierre Favre - Window Steps (ECM, 1995)

Pierre Favre, drums
Kenny Wheeler, trumpet
Roberto Ottaviano, soprano sax
David Darling, cello

Steve Swallow, bass

Recorded June 1995

Rainbow Studio, Oslo

Engineer: Jan Erik Kongshaug

Pierre Favre had been recording for 20 years before I ever heard of him. The Swiss percussionist, now in his late 80s, escaped my attention for understandable reasons: his European base, my ignorance of drum stylists, and his lack of recording on U.S. labels. Thanks to the Penguin Guide, seven of his recordings on ECM and Intakt are now among my most cherished albums. 

Like many ECM releases, Window Steps assembles artists from multiple nations: Americans, Swiss, Italian, and a Canadian expat based in the UK. All band members have extensive discographies as leaders and sidemen.

Four of the seven numbers on Window Steps are composed by Favre; the others are by members of the band. Steve Swallow co-wrote "En Passant" and "Aguilar." David Darling has two composing credits, and Roberto Ottaviano and Kenny Wheeler have one each. I assume that the collaborative pieces were composed during the recording session. 

The program flows gently like many ECM releases, risking the scorn of critics who are intolerant of the "ECM Sound." But close attention is rewarded, as the interplay among all five players continues to focus listener attention. Favre's tuneful percussion enhances everyone else's contributions. Swallow's electric bass provides deep contrast to the horns and Darling's cello. The blend of sonic textures is nothing less than luxurious.

The most outstanding track is Favre's 10:20 minute "Lea," one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard. The emotional depth of "Lea's" lyrical motif rivals that of Wagnerian opera. Positioned to follow the icier "Snow" and "Cold Nose," "Lea's" resonance is deepened. The piece is also included on Favre's album Saxophones (Intakt, 2004). 

Besides Window Steps and Saxophones, I recommend four more of Favre's albums:

Souffles (Intakt, 1997) - included later in this blog

European Chamber Ensemble (Intakt, 2002)

Fleuve (ECM, 2005)

Le Voyage (Intakt, 2010)