Record Reviews

ANDREAS DREIER ~ BUT NOT FOR ME LOSEN 175 (Barcode: 7090025831751) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the fourth album by Danish (resident in Norway) Jazz bassist Andreas DreierFind albums by this artist and the second recording with his trio which also includes Norwegian guitarist Bjorn SoliFind albums by this artist and Australian (resident in Rome) drummer Adam PacheFind albums by this artist. The album is a continuation of the previous trio recording (called "PoincianaFind albums with this title"), dedicated to a transcription for guitar trio of the piano trio recordings by Ahmad JamalFind albums by this artist, made in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The album presents nine tunes (one repeated twice), mostly well known standards with a couple of Jamal´s originals. The music is everything one might expect from the a.m. idea, i.e. swinging mainstream Jazz, focusing on the virtuosic guitar performances, amicably supported by the rhythm section and very well recorded. Classic guitar trio albums are very rare these days, so this album should bring a lot of joy to guitar Jazz connoisseurs everywhere on this planet. Soli plays fluently and with an obvious command of his instrument, sticking strictly to the Jazz tradition and successfully avoiding any excursions into Fusion territory, which is commendable. The rhythm section stays solidly in the background, doing its job elegantly, but without overshadowing the guitar parts, as appropriate for this situation. Musically the album does not offer anything adventurous, but that is exactly the concept – to reproduce the spirit of Jamal´s recording and retain the perfect swing and feel it offered at the time. For guitar Jazz enthusiasts this album is a must of course, a true case study of what classic Jazz guitar should sound and a showcase of its possibilities and charm. Its great to see that Jazz tradition is being cherished and kept alive, which is exactly what this album does.

Updated: 07/11/2017Posted: 07/11/2017

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AHMAD JAMAL ~ BLUE MOON JAZZ VILLAGE 57001 (Barcode: 3149027000123) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 American pianist / composer Ahmad JamalFind albums by this artist seems to be completely immune to passing time and his career continues to flourish at the age of 82, a remarkable achievement by any standard. Of course one would never in their lives guess this album was recorded by a man of such advanced age, as his technique, flair and above all percussive approach to the instrument (which has always been his trademark) seem to be better than ever. He also contributes three new compositions with the rest being standards, but his innovative and imaginative interpretations change them almost beyond recognition. He is accompanied here by brilliant musicians: bassist Reginald VealFind albums by this artist, drummer Herlin RileyFind albums by this artist and percussionist Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist, all much younger than the Master, which of course does not interfere with the perfect interplay between them. Listening to this music has a strangely uplifting effect, especially to someone like myself, for whom Jamal´s music was always there as part of the soundtrack of his life. Perhaps this music is the elixir of life that keeps us going? Not to be missed, so forget the lame excuses and grab this!

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