Record Reviews

ARILD ANDERSEN ~ AFFIRMATION ECM 2763 (Barcode: 602448285935) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Norwegian bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, recorded with an all Norwegian quartet, which also includes saxophonist Marius NesetFind albums by this artist, pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist and drummer Hakon Mjaset JohansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are combined into a two-part suite, co-composed by all members of the quartet, and the last piece was composed by Andersen. The music is very minimalist and although offers melodic themes, seems to be largely improvised. The performances are delicate, restrained, subdued and offer a highly contemplative atmosphere, very much in the Nordic Jazz tradition, but with a substantial element of Freedom. The performances are, as expected, stellar, as on all albums involving Andersen, despite the fact that the musicians are separated by a generation gap. But the younger representatives of the Norwegian Jazz scene herein are all seasoned Jazz musicians and offer world-class quality. Andersen is not only my favorite all-time Jazz bass player, but also one of the finest Masters of his trade, and his extensive recorded legacy, not only on the ECMFind albums on this label label, is a wonderful example of the European Jazz aesthetics and superb class and exquisite taste. Overall, this is another example of Andersen’s ingenuity as a leader / composer and a highly rewarding piece of music, although perhaps a tad more demanding than his usual output, which requires more patience / attention / piece of mind in order to enjoy the music fully. Time has been very kind to him and he is still producing superb music today and hopefully will do so for a long while.

Updated: 21/12/2024Posted: 21/12/2024

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

ARILD ANDERSEN ~ THE ROSE WINDOW INTUITION 71318 (Barcode: 608917131826) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a spectacular album by the Norwegian Jazz bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, recorded live in a classic piano trio setting with young and extremely talented Norwegian musicians: pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist and drummer Gard NilssenFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six original compositions by Andersen and the album also includes an interview with Andersen. This album is the sixth volume in the "European Jazz Legends" series and of course Andersen deserves to be included in the distinguished group of European Jazz Giants. His countless recordings over time, mostly for the ECMFind albums on this label label, present a formidable tale of virtuosity, talent, elegance and untarnished good taste lasting now for almost five decades. The music is mostly beautifully melodic, with typical melancholic and lyrical ambience that characterizes Norwegian Jazz, but one up tempo and highly dynamic piece is also included, emphasizing the diversity of Andersen´s milieu as a composer and of course as a brilliant bassist. The trio performs excellently together, with the two young musicians treating the Master with respect, supporting amicably his many solos, incorporated within the pieces present on this album. Andersen of course reciprocates with allowing them to play their respective solos as well. Andersen´s performances are all stunning, and his virtuosity seems to be completely unaffected by time, which is a great blessing. He is incredibly sensitive both harmonically and rhythmically and every touch of the strings is always perfect in tone and time. In many respects this album is an epitome of European Jazz; it is all about the relationship between sound and silence, the minimalism and understatement, the meaning of melody and its reflection in hundreds of years of tradition of Folklore and Classical Music, and countless other subtleties, that only few Jazz musicians outside of Europe are blessed with. It gives me an immense pleasure to see Arild Andersen in great shape today and considering that we are only a few years apart, it gives me hope of at least few years into the future staying on top of things. Thank you Arild for all those years of musical pleasures and what a pity I missed you in Oslo recently – something we have to rectify at the nearest future. Obviously this album is a must to all fans of Andersen´s musical universe and all connoisseurs of European Jazz at its best!

Updated: 13/08/2016Posted: 13/08/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HELGE LIEN / KNUT HEM ~ HUMMINGBIRD OZELLA 079 (Barcode: 4038952000799) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018 This is an album by a Norwegian duo comprising of pianist / composer Helge LienFind albums by this artist and dobro player / composer Knut HemFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, five by Hem and two by Lien, and one piece by American guitarist / dobro player Jerry DouglasFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Oslo and presents a spectacular sound quality, clarity and resolution. Separated by seemingly unbridgeable stylistic differences, Lien and Hem prove that music is completely and unconditionally universal. The amalgam of cold winds over fjords and scorching winds over deserts and canyons works as well as the sublime harmony between Jazz and Americana, when in the right hands and minds. The balance between the majestic piano and the magical sound of the dobro (and the Weissenborn guitar which Hem also uses) is simply perfect and the two instrumental sounds compliment each other not only harmonically but also esthetically. The resulting music is superbly melodic, deeply lyrical and serene, immediately touching upon the innermost string of the listener´s soul. Overall the album presents a deeply moving musical experience, which combines great musicianship and excellent compositions. The virtuosic performances by both musicians are beyond reproach and guitar lovers (especially those interested in steel guitar and slide guitar sound) will be completely overwhelmed by what this album has to offer. Both musicians have to be praised for taking a bold, unconventional step towards uncharted territory. Wholeheartedly recommended and definitely worth the effort of grabbing a copy of this beauty at the earliest convenience. Delightful stuff!

Updated: 10/11/2018Posted: 10/11/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HELGE LIEN / KNUT HEM ~ VILINGSBERG OZELLA 100 (Barcode: 4038952001000) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2022 This is the second album by a Norwegian duo comprising of pianist / composer Helge LienFind albums by this artist and dobro player / composer Knut HemFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, eight by Hem and one by Lien, and one piece by American banjo player Béla FleckFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Oslo and presents a spectacular sound quality, clarity and resolution. Apparently the music was recorded at the same sessions in 2016, that produced the debut album “HummingbirdFind albums with this title” released in 2018, which of course means that everything I had to say about that album can be repeated below with the same enthusiasm. Separated by seemingly unbridgeable stylistic differences, Lien and Hem prove that music is completely and unconditionally universal. The amalgam of cold winds over fjords and scorching winds over deserts and canyons works as well as the sublime harmony between Jazz and Americana, when in the right hands and minds. The balance between the majestic piano and the magical sound of the dobro (and the Weissenborn guitar which Hem also uses) is simply perfect and the two instrumental sounds compliment each other not only harmonically but also esthetically. The resulting music is superbly melodic, deeply lyrical and serene, immediately touching upon the innermost string of the listener´s soul. Overall, the album presents a deeply moving musical experience, which combines great musicianship and excellent compositions. The virtuosic performances by both musicians are beyond reproach and guitar lovers (especially those interested in steel guitar and slide guitar sound) will be completely overwhelmed by what this album has to offer. Both musicians have to be praised for taking a bold, unconventional step towards uncharted territory. Wholeheartedly recommended and definitely worth the effort of grabbing a copy of this beauty at the earliest convenience. Delightful stuff!

Updated: 13/08/2022Posted: 13/08/2022

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

HELGE LIEN TRIO ~ REVISITED OZELLA 101 (Barcode: 4038952001017) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by the new trio led by Norwegian pianist / composer Helge LienFind albums by this artist, with bassist Johannes EickFind albums by this artist and drummer Knut AalefjaerFind albums by this artist. The nine tracks, all original compositions by Lien, were recorded in the Toyen Church in Oslo (four tracks) and live at a festival (five tracks), and as the album’s title suggests, they are new renditions of compositions previously recorded and released on various albums between 2001 and 2020. The compositions appear here in chronological order, by year of original recording. It makes perfect sense for an artist with such substantial legacy as Lien, to revisit his compositions, especially so following the formation of the new trio, which obviously will perform these pieces as part of their regular repertoire in the future. It is also a great opportunity for the listeners to re-listen to these compositions, comparing them to the initial versions as well as observe the development of Lien as a composer and performer in the span of two decades. Lien is a proud representative of the Norwegian Jazz scene, which over the years achieved a remarkable success on the worldwide scene, impersonating the Nordic elegance and restraint and mixing it with passion for music, especially so on the last decades, following the breakthrough paved by the Norwegian Jazz pioneers. The entire Norwegian Jazz scene is busting with new talent and earned over time a leading role in European Jazz, now even serving as a model to be followed by other young European Jazz musicians. Combining a rare talent for weaving beautiful melodic themes and improvising with finesse and great aesthetic approach, Lien is certainly one of top European pianists today and his trios have always been top notch examples of the Jazz piano trio idiom, as this album evidently demonstrates. Overall, this album is a superb opportunity to get acquainted with Lien’s music through a retrospective glance, as well as to appreciate his new exquisite trio. As usual, both for Lien in particular and Norwegian Jazz in general, the music is heavenly recorded, which only emphasizes the beauty of it. Absolutely not to be missed!

Updated: 18/01/2022Posted: 18/01/2022

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend