La Voleuse Chimney No. 4 (1966) Jean Chapot, Romy Schneider, Michel Piccoli, Hans Christian Blech, Drama

Lots of composers fall head over heels for the cello, and Bolling's suite for classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma indicates that he finds this instrument a particularly noble, expressive vehicle for his classical/jazz musings. The distinctive Bolling formula still has plenty of mileage here, this time with a more expansive lyrical bent and no cutesy detours. "Baroque In Rhythm," in particular, sounds very fresh with its interpolations of boogie-woogie and ragtime amidst the Bachian counterpoint. "Romantique" is enlivened by some Brubeck-like chording and swinging from Bolling, and "Galop" has real panache. However, despite some inspired passages, the yawning, overlong lyrical stretches of "Concertante" and "Ballade" may try the patience of some jazz listeners.

The Recording Academy has announced the 2024 nominees for the Grammy awards in 91 categories. In the category New Age/Ambient/Chant Hans Christian’s latest CD release Ocean Dreaming Ocean (CurveBlue Records) was nominated for a Grammy, along with four other nominees, out of over 175 entries. The 66th annual Grammy Awards will take place February 4th, 2024 where the winner will be announced.