All Music Guide- Review of Soul House. 4 Stars

Soul House (2008)

by Christian Winther Quintet

Danish tenor saxophonist Christian Winther put together a potent quintet for his third SteepleChase release, including the outstanding American trumpeter Marcus Printup, pianist Richard Doron Johnson, bassist Carlos Henríquez, and drummer Ali Jackson.

The big-toned tenorist contributed two originals, which open and close the CD. "Milla's Bounce" is a bouncing, upbeat hard bop vehicle full of great solos and lively ensembles, with a bit of Latin flavor kicked in at the end. Winther's "Soul House" is an Afro-Cuban theme, powered by Jackson's driving percussion.

The leader's percolating scoring of Thelonious Monk's "Green Chimneys" showcases Henríquez and Printup in sizzling solos before Winther steps forward to add his own soulful touch.

Johnson's "Ferris Wheel" is another spirited effort, an unusually constructed tune fueled by his enticing, shifting vamp. Jackson's lyrical originals "For Kenny" and "Aziel Dance" nicely round out this enjoyable session.

Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Jazz Times- Review of Soul House

CHRISTIAN WINTHER

Soul House (SteepleChase)

This is Danish tenor saxophonist Christian Winther’s third SteepleChase album, a quintet date with trumpeter Marcus Printup, pianist Richard Doron Johnson, bassist Carlos Henriquez and drummer Ali Jackson. The music, all originals except Thelonious Monk’s “Green Chimneys,” swings in a supple manner and recalls the Blue Note Records era of the ’60s, albeit tinged with New Orleans, Winther’s adopted home. The saxophonist’s playing, rhythmic and fluid, has a softer tonal side reminiscent of Hank Mobley (for example, on Jackson’s “For Kenny”).

Winther has learned the rhythmic lessons of New Orleans well, as his agile, blues-rooted playing on the Monk tune and Johnson’s “Ferris Wheel” shows. Printup is in fine form throughout—always tasteful, always appropriate for the tune at hand and always articulate. The rhythm section is well matched to the horns. But despite such effective music, Winther faces a common challenge: With so much jazz rooted in that old-school Blue Note vibe these days, one wonders how rising players will distinguish themselves.

-Owen Cordle

All about Jazz- Review of Soul House

Soul House

Christian Winther | SteepleChase Records(2008)

Influenced by tenor saxophone giants Charlie Rouse, Paul Gonsalvez and Dexter Gordan, Danish-born musician Christian Winther improvises with a soulful, hard-bop edge, reveling in the joyous traditions associated with his instrument. The New Orleans-based saxophonist assembles a spirited quintet for Soul House, his third release as a leader.

Winther's deep-toned tenor lines are well developed with heartfelt flourishes. His lyrical twists and turns on the Kenny Kirkland ballad "Dienda," the lesser-known Thelonious Monk swinger "Green Chimneys" and the title track stand out as the session's more inspired moments.

A truly collaborative effort, Soul House is as much a showcase for trumpeter Marcus Printup, pianist Richard Doran Johnson, bassist Carlos Henriquez and drummer Ali Jackson as it is for Winther. Johnson and Jackson even contribute original compositions to the date—Jackson's spirited "Aziel Danse" is another highlight of the session.

Printup is dazzling throughout, blowing soaring bebop lines ("Milla's Bounce") and Freddie Hubbard-inspired jabs ("Ones of Freedom," "Ferris Wheel"). Johnson proves a sensitive accompanist ("For Kenny") and imaginative soloist ("Ferris Wheel"). Henriquez and Jackson are a rock-solid bass/drum combination, each given ample opportunity to shine.

Soul House is full of feel-good moments, memorable themes and intuitive ensemble interplay. With it, Winther and crew deliver an exceptional set of accessible, mainstream jazz.

-John Barron

Soul House in WRTI's top 20 new jazz releases of 2008

Jeff Duperon's Picks for the Top 20 New Jazz Releases of 2008 on WRTI

Join Jeff Duperon on December 26th as he reviews his choices for the Best Jazz Releases of 2008. Jeff will explore his selections and provide his take on this outstanding year of music.

1.Tim Warfield--One For Shirley--Criss Cross Jazz

2.Roy Hargrove--Earfood--Emarcy

3.Bobby Watson--From The Heart--Palmetto

4.Steve Turre--Rainbow People--HighNote

5.Dave Holland--Pass It On--Dare2/EmArcy

6.Lafayette Gilchrist--Soul Progressin'--Hyena Records

7.Richard Boulger--Blues Twilight--B-1 Music

8.Sumi Tonooka--Long Ago Today--ARC

9.Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets--A Ride To The Other Side--Owl Studios

10.James Carter--Present Tense--Emarcy

11.Gregg August--One Peace--Iacuessa

12.The New Jazz Composers Octet--The Turning Gate--Motema

13.Javon Jackson--Once Upon A Melody--Palmetto

14.Laika--Misery--Blujazz/Plus Loin

15.Christian Winther--Soul House--Steeplechase

16.Amina Figarova--Above The Clouds--Munich Records

17.The Here & Now--Break Of Day--OA2 Records

18.Caribbean Jazz Project--Afro Bop Alliance--Heads Up

19.George Colligan--Runaway--Sunnyside

20.Irvin Mayfield & Ellis Marsalis--Love Songs, Ballads And Standards--Basin Street