Record Reviews

ADAM BALDYCH & HELGE LIEN TRIO ~ BRIDGES ACT 9591 (Barcode: 614427959126) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the third album for the prestigious German ACTFind albums on this label label by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist, clearly the most significant representative of the Polish Jazz violin school active today. Contrary to most Jazz musicians, Baldych obviously prefers to create ad hoc associations with various musicians rather than lead his own band, which in his case seems to be the ideal solution in order to fully communicate his enormous versatility. This time he cooperates with the Norwegian piano trio, led by pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist, which also includes bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. The album´s eleven tracks consist of nine original compositions by Baldych and one piece co-composed by Baldych and Lien and additionally an arrangement of a pop tune. Two of the compositions were arranged by Polish Jazz pianist / composer / arranger Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist. Similarly to his previous album recorded with the Israeli pianist Yaron Herman, the atmosphere and actual material on this album is only marginally Jazzy and covers mostly other music areas like contemporary Classical and World Music. The music is very spacey, intimate and minimalistic in form, based on beautiful melodic themes, which Baldych masterly creates seemingly from thin air. The influence of the Polish Folklore is very significant in Baldych´s playing on this album, more than on any of his earlier recordings and some of the songs sound like famous Polish Folklore dances. Of course this might have happened somewhat subconsciously, but considering Baldych´s sophistication and perfectionism that is quite unlikely. Personally I find the team work on this album a bit limited, certainly in comparison of Baldych´s earlier work. Although the Norwegian trio has an excellent record behind it, their role on this album is almost entirely concerned with accompaniment with very few moments of true group improvisation and interplay. This might have been a conscious decision on the part of Baldych or simply worked out this way, but the result definitely puts the trio on a second plane, with the rhythm section almost never leaving the shadows. Of course the trio does a great job playing alongside Baldych, but personally I miss the electricity in the air which could have uplifted this album to another level. Overall this is a beautiful piece of music, skillfully executed, which should make every fan of violin perfectly happy. Jazz purists might find this a bit too sweet, smooth and melancholic, but to be fair Baldych simply has no competition neither in his own country nor anywhere else at the moment, so he is setting the mark. Baldych will surely come up with a new surprise pretty soon, being always full of ideas and abilities, and his work is always a source of joy and aesthetic pleasure.

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ADAM BALDYCH & HELGE LIEN TRIO ~ BROTHERS ACT 9817 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the second album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist recorded with the Norwegian piano trio led by pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist, with bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. They are joined by Norwegian saxophonist Tore BrunborgFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine pieces, eight of which are original compositions by Baldych and one is a classic standard by Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist. The music presents another step in the coherent development in Baldych´s musical path, which has been taking shape in the last few years, leading him away from "conventional" Jazz idiom into contemporary Neo-Romantic Classical Music. Although the element of improvisation is still very prominent, the melodic themes, mostly deeply lyrical and introvert, touch deeply with the characteristic elements of Polish Classical Music and Polish Folklore, somewhat parallel, or rather in continuation of the great Polish Classical tradition going back to Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist. Perhaps the reference to Chopin might sound a bit over the top here, but people familiar with Chopin´s music will note how Baldych is skillfully able to pluck the soul´s strings that move the Polish People. The Norwegian musicians playing with Baldych are his soul brothers, providing the ideal companionship needed for this delicate journey. The intrinsic melancholy of the Scandinavian (and especially so Norwegian) music goes ideally hand in hand with the direction Baldych intends to put forward. Of course the fact that they are brilliant and highly intelligent musicians also adds to final result. Together they are able to make this by and large minimalist and introvert music sound complete and highly expressive. Overall this is a mature and focused statement by a great composer and a superb performer, which clearly affirms his status as one of the leading European musicians today. The music requires attentive listening, but for open-minded and music-living listeners it offers layer over layer of wonderful musical journeys into the world of contemporary Classical Music, Folkloristic motifs and Jazzy improvisations, all wrapped up in an elegant, highly aesthetic and moving "package". Well done Maestro!

Updated: 22/07/2017Posted: 22/07/2017

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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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HELGE LIEN TRIO ~ 10 OZELLA 091 (Barcode: 4038952000911) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the tenth album by the Norwegian Jazz piano trio led by pianist / composer Helge LienFind albums by this artist, with bassist Mats EilertsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. Eilertsen recently replaced the bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist, who was a founding member of the trio, which obviously had a major impact on the trio´s creative process, resulting in the album presenting no less than twenty new original compositions on two CDs, mostly composed by Lien but with a couple of compositions by Eilertsen, one by Johansen and three pieces co-composed by all three musicians. To be precise this is in fact the twelfth album by the trio, if one counts the two excellent albums they recorded with the Polish violinist Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist. The music is not as radically different from the earlier recordings, at least not stylistically or aesthetically, as it still proudly embraces the modern European Jazz idiom, allowing for some Nordic Jazz influences, Jazz Neo-romanticism and perhaps touches of contemporary European Chamber Classical associations. It is however somewhat invigorated and Eilertsen´s bass playing and the use of bow adds a more lyrical overall sound to some of the pieces. His solid pulsations also allow for more openness and freedom, which causes the pieces to develop slower and more gradually, building up to the anticipated crescendo with a higher level of tension. The Norwegian Jazz scene produced a remarkable new generation of Jazz composers and players since the turn of the Millennium, and this trio is a great example of that phenomenon. All members of the trio took part in many other recording projects, all of which are prime examples of the strength of European Jazz in general and Norwegian Jazz in particular. Therefore it is hardly surprising that the combination of their talents could be anything but excellent, as this album beautifully exemplifies. Overall this is a great piano trio Jazz album, with diverse and highly rewarding compositions and superb performances, which create a wonderful aesthetic experience. The music is also excellently recorded, although not at the usual Rainbow Studio in Oslo, but still with a truly brilliant sonic quality. For piano trio Jazz lovers, European Jazz enthusiasts and diehard sound connoisseurs, this album is a dream come true!

Updated: 16/09/2020Posted: 16/09/2020

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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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