Talking Cows is a Dutch jazz quartet founded in 2004 by saxophonist Frans Vermeersen and pianist Robert Vermeulen. The nice thing about the group is that in addition to Roland Kirk and Theloniuos Monk, they also like to mention the Dutch composer, musical absurdist and free jazz pioneer Misha Mengelberg as an influence. This is not to be found on their third album in originality, but in the
… uncomplicated fun and playfulness that resound in the ten of their own compositions. In eight years this quartet has started to play very closely, Almost Human does not seem to float on technology but on energy and fun. That can sound swinging but also prickly. The warm sound of Vermeer's saxophone has something nostalgic about it. You can see Talking Cows playing the stars of the sky almost late into the night in a dark (previously smoky) jazz club, where just as much fun is made for as on stage. (MR)more
