Solos Key To Fahling’s Jazz

Hans Fahling is a German jazz guitarist and composer who migrated to Seattle and is now making some of the most dynamic mainstream jazz on the West Coast.

Fahling and his quintet will appear at Hobart’s Jazz Lounge Friday and Saturday.

The guitarist plays in the mode of John Scofield or John Abercrombie, and his debut CD, “Before Tomorrow,” bristles with strong solos and exceptional ensemble playing. Fahling’s guitar is joined on the front line by trumpet and saxophone, an unusual configuration that allows Fahling the freedom to flesh out his compositions with a wide range of colors and textures.

With Fahling comping behind them, saxophonist Rob Davis and trumpeter Matt Walsh lay down probing, coherent solos, and when the three play in close harmony, the group picks up the harmonics of middle-period Miles Davis.

Fahling is a subtle accompanist and fluid soloist; though his work sometimes moves outside conventional forms, he stays connected with melody and structure. Indeed, composition is one of the strengths of the group: Strong charts keep the nine tracks from falling into disjointed solo sessions and Fahling’s powerful sense of swing keep them afloat. There isn’t a clinker in the group, though a funk-edged piece called “2 3 4 5 Six,” powered by Phil Sparks’ bass, runs out of steam mid-song.

The band is at peak horsepower when it’s swinging.

For the tour that brings him to Hobart’s, Fahling has replaced Rob Davis’ tenor with the piano of Alex Guilbert. In any case, this dynamic new Northwest musician has the stuff that could break out of the regional scene.

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MEMO: The Hans Fahling Quintet will perform at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Hobart’s Jazz Lounge, 110 E. Fourth. Cover is $5.