Record Reviews

SCHEEN JAZZORKESTER & FREDRIK LJUNGKVIST ~ FRAMAT! GRONG 25002 (Barcode: 7186039295976) ~ NORWAY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2025 This is the 10th album by the Norwegian Jazz Big Band / Orchestra, called Scheen JazzorkesterFind albums by this artist, recorded with Swedish saxophonist / composer Fredrik LjungkvistFind albums by this artist, who was commissioned to write the eight-parts concerto presented here, which was recorded live. The orchestra, which was established in 2010, consists now of twelve members, all of which are highly experienced and proficient musicians. Ljungkvist joins the orchestra’s lineup and solos on several tracks. The music is quite complex and challenging, moody and definitely not what Big Band listeners usually expect, but of course this is exactly what its musical direction is about, portraying both strong Scandinavian influences, dark climates and modern European Orchestral Jazz, which is diametrically different from the American tradition. There are some Classical music and Folkloristic influences, and the melodic elements are anything but straightforward, which of course means that the music requires attentive listening and patience, which eventually pay back big time. I have been following this Big Band since day one and their collective recording legacy is a tremendous example of modern European Big Band / Orchestra Music achievements, which present a wide scale of musical trends and approaches, always searching for new challenges and new means of musical expression. Overall, this is another excellent addition to the Scheen Jazzorkester legacy, which never ceases to surprise and innovate and is always ready for fresh challenges. Jazz lovers, who are open-minded and love the Big Band sound should be extremely satisfied with this album. Well done, as always!

Updated: 08/09/2025Posted: 08/09/2025

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