Record Reviews

MICHAEL BLOCH ~ CIRCULAR CHANGES AMP 017 (Barcode: 662578831112) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the second album by Norwegian pianist / composer Michael BlochFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten pieces, nine of which are originals by Bloch and one is a standard. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo. The music is melodic mainstream piano trio Jazz, lyrical and romantic, obviously designed to be pleasing and entertaining, without any compromise as far as the Jazz aesthetics is concerned. The beautiful melodies are carefully woven and put together to present a consistent and coherent program, which is a showcase of elegance and finesse. The execution is also perfectly suited for the delicate nature of the music, with superb interplay between the trio members, which results in the trio sounding as a cohesive whole rather than being a gathering of three individual players. Bloch is wonderfully fluid, with great dynamics, which range from gentle touches of the keyboard to energetically swinging chords. His solo piano treatment of the standard is a classic showcase of piano artistry. Berg fills the bottom and harmonizes perfectly with the piano, playing several excellent bass solos along the way. Thoren moves the music ahead energetically, but gently without being obtrusive. Altogether this is archetypal example of what piano trio Jazz is all about. For piano trio Jazz connoisseurs this album is a must of course, not only because it offers excellent music, but also because it sounds absolutely wonderful as far as the recording quality is concerned. It allows the listener to relax and let the music take charge, embarking on a wonderful journey. Great gift for the long cold winter nights ahead of us!

Updated: 31/10/2017Posted: 31/10/2017

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MICHAEL BLOCH ~ FIRST LIGHT AMP 003 (Barcode: 662578830955) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by Norwegian pianist / composer Michael BlochFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten pieces, nine of which are original compositions by Bloch and one is a standard. The music is an excellent example of beautiful modern mainstream piano Jazz, strongly influenced by classic Jazz tradition, such as the work of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, and yet definitely strongly individual and unique to stand on its own. The wonderful Evans´ lyricism and flow are certainly there, but so are traces of many other influences, including Nordic melancholy and European impressionism. The level of the compositions is excellent and consistently coherent, which in the naked piano trio environment is an essential ingredient of the music´s overall impact. The playing is also exceptional, with Bloch displaying the quality of a mature and rounded pianist, despite his relatively young age. His dynamics and sensitivity are fond reminders of the great classic pianists of the times long gone. The excellent rhythm section supports the leader amicably and with great respect, doing exactly what is required in such setting. Berg stands shoulder to shoulder with Bloch, playing the bass pulsations harmoniously and rhythmically optimized to each of the tunes. Thoren, like all great drummers, is extremely delicate and considerate, staying respectfully in the background, subtly laying down the rhythmic tracks, being heard exactly when his presence is required and taking a step back when the music calls for it. Overall this is a superb debut effort and a must have for all piano trio connoisseurs, who should love this stuff to bits, especially since the album is also excellently recorded and offers a superb sound quality. Being definitely a foreteller of great things to come, this album is wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 20/10/2017Posted: 20/10/2017

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BRIDGES ~ BRIDGES WITH SEAMUS BLAKE AMP 008 (Barcode: 662578831013) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz quartet BridgesFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist and also including trumpeter Hayden PowellFind albums by this artist, pianist Espen BergFind albums by this artist and bassist Ole Morten VaganFind albums by this artist. The quartet is joined by NY based (born in London, raised in Vancouver) saxophonist Seamus BlakeFind albums by this artist and together as a classic quintet they perform ten pieces, nine of which were individually or collectively composed by the quintet members. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sonic quality. The music is a superb example of modern European Jazz, with a tinge of Nordic melancholy, but nor really a typical Scandinavian outing, probably due to Blake´s presence. Based on firm melodic basis, the music allows enough space and freedom to appear airy and enables the individual players to express their statements. Three of the pieces are collective improvisations, with emphasizes the diversity and openness of the music. The individual performances are all first rate, which is hardly surprising from musicians of this statue. Blake delivers his velvety phrases, which are always right on the money, but he is not taking the centre of the stage on this album, which is by all means a collective effort. Powell plays some great trumpet lines, which are a delight and Berg masterly creates the harmonic layer upon the music smoothly flows on, throwing in a few breathtaking solos. The rhythm section is inventively supportive and deeply involved within the music, as usual with European Jazz, which sees the rhythm section as an integral part of the music making process. Overall this is a superb album from start to finish, which offers excellent music and superb execution, topped with fabulous sound quality. Jazz connoisseurs can hardly expect a better "deal" and therefore are wholeheartedly invited to check this album out at the first opportunity; satisfaction guaranteed! The album was released on a young Norwegian record label, called AMPFind albums on this label Music & Records, which is consistently releasing excellent productions since day one and is also wholeheartedly recommended to be followed.

Updated: 24/07/2017Posted: 24/07/2017

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JERVE / THORNTON / THOREN ~ CIRCUMSTANCES AMP 019 (Barcode: 662578831136) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by the Jazz piano trio comprising of Norwegian pianist / composer Kjetil JerveFind albums by this artist, British bassist Tim ThorntonFind albums by this artist and Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, three of which are original composition by Jerve, two are by Thornton and one is a collective composition by the trio members. Of the remaining tracks, two are standards and one is a surprising inclusion of a composition by the great Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist (RIP). The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio in Oslo and offers excellent sound quality. This album is somewhat surprising in view of Jerve´s debut album released a year earlier ("New York ImprovisationsFind albums with this title"), which was quite freely improvised. The music on this album shows another face of his musical personality, and is dominated by highly melodic, mostly slow tempo ballads, full of melancholy and reflection and some highly swinging pieces. It is great to see such versatility in Jerve´s approach to Jazz, which of course is by its nature a multifaceted idiom. Of course Jerve is, as I have stated already in other reviews, a superb pianist with excellent technique but more importantly also a great feel for the music, which enables him to change his dynamics and even the entire approach to his instrument on the fly. He is definitely one of the most interesting Nordic pianists lately and someone worth watching closely. The rhythm section on this album displays significantly more presence and input than in most contemporary piano trios these days. Thornton is a very powerful and wonderfully precise bassist and his deep pulsations are there up front almost at the same volume with the piano. His playing is inventive and fascinating and simply can not be ignored by the listener. Thoren does a grand job as usual, with his unique rhythmic artistry, which also becomes an integral part of the overall sound. To summarize, this is a brilliant piano trio album, which should make the many connoisseurs of this particular variety of Jazz extremely happy, but of course all Jazz fans should find this very satisfactory. Another excellent release on the small independent Norwegian label AMPFind albums on this label Records, which is proving that small independent labels can be (and very often are) better than the bigger sharks ;) Well done!

Updated: 01/12/2017Posted: 01/12/2017

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NORDIC CIRCLES ~ UNDER THE CLOUDS AMP 009 (Barcode: 662578831020) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 - 2017 Released: 2017 This is the second album by the fabulous Norwegian Jazz project called Nordic CirclesFind albums by this artist, which creates an opportunity for established Jazz musicians to perform with the young and upcoming representatives of the genre, not limiting the project to Norway but including also musicians from other Nordic countries. The ad-hoc lineup of the ensemble is a sextet this time and includes Swedish pianist Lars JanssonFind albums by this artist, Norwegian vocalist Siril Malmedal HaugeFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist, Norwegian saxophonist Magnus BakkenFind albums by this artist, Norwegian guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist and Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven original compositions (four composed by Jansson and three by Bodilsen), one freely improvised piece and one composition by the Swedish songwriter Olle AdolphsonFind albums by this artist. The author of the English language lyrics to the songs remains undisclosed on the album´s packaging. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio in Oslo with the no less legendary Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist in charge of the sonic result, which as usual in such case is extraordinary. The music is mostly deeply melodic, ranging from melancholic ballads to more energetic pieces, all of which are deeply influenced by the Nordic lyricism, which of course is the essence of the project. Even the improvised piece remains pretty disciplined and does not disturb the overall melodic and harmonic approach of the album as a whole. The individual performances by the participating musicians are all absolutely stunning, as expected. The young lions play comfortably along with the veterans without any inferiority complexes and for the listener it is impossible to recognize the age differences. Jansson has a wonderful melodic approach and the music simply flows from under his fingers. Bakken and Young play some very uplifting solos and the rhythm section elegantly keeps the music on track, providing the pulse. But the most exciting surprise is the young vocalist, who performs melodic lines and vocalese with the same ease and elegance. Her vocal improvisations are definitely some of the most thrilling parts on this album. Overall this is a wonderful example of melodic Nordic mainstream Jazz, full of moving lyrical content and exciting playing. Wonderfully put together and stunningly recorded, this is unadulterated delight from start to finish for a wide range of Jazz connoisseurs, especially those drawn to the icy Nordic atmosphere. Well done!

Updated: 01/10/2017Posted: 01/10/2017

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NORDIC CIRCLES ~ WINTER RAINBOW AMP 002 (Barcode: 769923110752) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by a project called Nordic CirclesFind albums by this artist, which assembles ad-hoc ensembles featuring musicians from the Nordic countries and creates a meeting point between established Jazz players and young representatives of the genre. On this album the lineup consists of Norwegian trumpeter Tore JohansenFind albums by this artist, Swedish guitarist Per OrvangFind albums by this artist, Norwegian pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Anders LjungbergFind albums by this artist and Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions: three by Orvang, two by Thoren, one each by Johansen and Lien and one is an improvised non-credited piece. The music was recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio in Oslo with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist in charge of the sound. The music is typical Nordic Jazz, with beautiful melodic themes developing slowly, full of melancholy and mystique. The minimalistic and delicate arrangements add to the lyrical atmosphere. Even the freely improvised piece sounds melodic and completely in place with the rest of the material. The performances of the quintet members are all stellar. Johansen "steals" the show with his beautiful trumpet tone and exquisitely balanced long solos, but Orvang and Lien also contribute exceptional statements. The rhythm section keeps the music moving forward, with the bass supporting the harmonic structures and the drums adding percussive ornamentations to the beat and tempo. There is a superb level of mutual understanding and respect and the music flows naturally and flawlessly, like mist over water. Lovers of the Nordic sound should find this album delightful in every respect, both musically and sound wise, as the recording is exceptionally bright and clear, as always in the case of Kongshaug presiding over the knobs. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 20/10/2017Posted: 20/10/2017

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ANDERS THOREN ~ SOURCES OF INSPIRATION AMP 001 ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer / composer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Norwegian saxophonist Borge-Are HalvorsenFind albums by this artist, Swedish pianist Lars JanssonFind albums by this artist and Norwegian bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven pieces, three composed by Jansson, two co-composed by Jansson and Thoren, two composed by Halvorsen and four composed by musicians outside of the quartet. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to music by fellow musicians, who inspired Thoren´s journey into music, including the celebrated pianist / composer Lars Jansson, who is featured on this album. The music is beautiful mainstream contemporary Jazz, with a strong Nordic tinge, but moving also to other, more exotic, territories. Wonderfully melodic and accessible, the music manages to keep a high standard in all respects, with intelligent arrangements and heartfelt love of the subject matter. It is a wonderful example of melody based music which can be sophisticated, elegant and fascinating, without being tiresome and pretentious. The level of the compositions is excellent and full of positive energy and inspiration. The execution is absolutely stunning in every respect. Jansson virtuosic piano parts are of course the highlight of the quartet´s sound, but all the musicians play in perfect harmony and with obvious respect. Halvorsen adds sleek saxophone parts and the rhythm section is simply fabulous, working like a symbiotic duo to support the soloist and adding their respective solos on the way. Berg is marvelously melodic and his full tone adds significantly to the overall sound of the quartet. Thoren has an excellent feel of time and uses a plethora of techniques to keep the pulsating rhythms in check, while not being obtrusive. Overall this is a very impressive debut, which should make all Jazz connoisseurs happy, especially since it offers also a sublime sound quality. A wonderful gift of pure and unadulterated mainstream Jazz, which should warm the listeners hears during long winter evening or cool them down during hot summer nights.

Updated: 21/10/2017Posted: 21/10/2017

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