Tom Ollendorff: ‘Where in the World’

I have to confess to being a big fan of guitarist Tom Ollendorff, so I was expecting to enjoy his third album - ‘Where in the World’ - and from the outset, it proved me right. This is a delightful first collaboration with Blue Note pianist Aaron Parks alongside the always impressive James Maddren (drums) and Conor Chaplin (bass).

The last time I heard Tom playing live was at the Vortex with Germana Stella La Sorsa for her album launch and it’s only a couple of weeks since I reviewed Parks’s own album, By All Means and it's good to hear them both together on Where in the World.

As well as the album launch in just a few days, there’s also a major 30-date world tour across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

There really is something about Ollendorff’s compositions when performed with Parks, Maddren and Chaplin which is intoxicating. Supreme performers all, they combine into a collective that works so well.

There’s a good reason why the opening track, Past Lives, has been released as a single in the run-up to launch. With a groove established by Maddren before the melody brings everyone together in a way that sets the scene for the individual sections that follow.

Tom’s opening to West Lake is gorgeous, while Worried World starts with guitar and piano in perfect harmony. As the album takes a controlled, collective conclusion with Atlantic Angels.

Where in the World is out on 21 November on Fresh Sound Records.