Record Reviews

OYVIND BRAEKKE ~ FROM NOW ON OSLO SESSION RECORDINGS 009 (Barcode: 7090025837579) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the 2nd album by Norwegian Jazz trombonist / composer Oyvind BraekkeFind albums by this artist and his sextet, which also includes saxophonist Jorgen MathisenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist, violist Bergmund Waal SkaslienFind albums by this artist, bassist Bardur Reinert PoulsenFind albums by this artist and Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer Erik NylanderFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by Braekke. The music is a very interesting mixture of composed modern Jazz and Free Improvisation, which is fascinating in its highly unusual sound, due to the unconventional lineup / instrumentation. Although there are plenty of great soli by all the musicians involved, the music is all about the ensemble interplay, which is truly sensational. It becomes immediately obvious that these are all highly skilled musicians, which of course is well documented by their individual recording legacy, but this particular get together is highly unique in very many ways. The compositions, although extremely complex, are all wonderfully coherent and serve ideally as a vehicle for the musicians to express their individual contributions within the ensemble. There is so much great music coming out of Norway in the last couple of decades, mainly due to the excellent educational system and openness to musicians coming from all over Europe, and this album reflects this development perfectly. As a result, there is a lot of Norwegian Jazz recordings available, which is really heart-warming. Overall, this is an excellent, interesting and absorbing modern Jazz of the finest quality, which reflects the incredible level of the Norwegian / Scandinavian Jazz scene, rejuvenated by the new generation of incredibly talented musicians. This is absolutely something worth being discovered, especially to Jazz listeners not yet familiar with that scene. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 10/11/2023Posted: 10/11/2023

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MANU KATCHÉ ~ THIRD ROUND ECM 2156 (Barcode: 602527321318) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the third album for ECMFind albums on this label by French (born in Ivory Coast) drummer / composer Manu KatchéFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quartet, which features saxophonist Tore BrunborgFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason RebelloFind albums by this artist and bassist Pino PalladinoFind albums by this artist and two additional musicians participating on selected tracks: guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist and female vocalist / trumpeter Kami LyleFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of eleven original compositions, all by Katché, one of which also includes lyrics, written by Lyle. It is pretty obvious from the very first instant of this album that it presents a new concept, different from the two preceding albums, being completely "song" / melody oriented and only marginally Jazzy per se. The eleven tracks are all quite short (around four minutes in duration), very melodic and with limited space for improvisation. I´d speculate that this is probably the most "easy listening" album ever recorded for ECM. But apart from the fact that this is not a Jazz album, all the other aspects of this recording are all positive: the melodies are excellent, the execution perfect and completely professional, as is the usual ECM sound quality. Therefore this album simply should not be judged by the "usual" standards of hard core Jazz and with a little open-mindedness this is a very enjoyable piece of music, which delivers exactly what it aims to do: musical joy and fun!

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KARIN KROG / JACOB YOUNG ~ WHERE FLAMINGOS FLY GRAPPA 4189 (Barcode: 7033662041893) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 This is a wonderful duo album by Norwegian vocalist / songwriter Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist. They are supported on three tracks by the sublime bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, one of which was written by Krog, and the rest being Jazz standards. The album was produced by Karin’s Friend John SurmanFind albums by this artist and recorded by our Friend Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, at his legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, and offers a spectacular sound quality. Karin and the young (at the time) Jacob, who was at the early stages of his career, met to record a few tunes together for the Norwegian Radio, after Karin realized that her great affinity for the “Art of the Duo” Jazz idiom never resulted in a recording with a guitarist earlier on. A couple of years later this recording of the entire duo project came to fruition, with spectacular results. Previously to this recording session Young released his 3rd album “GlowFind albums with this title”, which was a turning point of his career. The music is, as always, a terrific journey through Jazz standards in a unique way Krog interprets them, which is unlike anything else within the genre. Her incredible sensitivity in expressing the lyrics and play around with the melody makes her a phenomenon. Young turns out to be a highly amicable accompanist, with great sensitivity to her vocal and rhythmic idiosyncrasies, soloing sparingly. It is truly amazing to realize that there is nothing missing here and the vocals and delicate guitar sounds create a complete doze of musical delivery. Young remains perfectly within the supporting role, not trying to add even one unnecessary note or phrase, always assisting the vocals with exactly the right notes or chords. When Andersen joins the duo, his brilliant pulsations expand the sound impressively, but again not spoiling the intimacy if this session, proving again what a genius musician he is. Overall, this is another great gem in the long list of Krog’s recorded legacy, which includes some of the finest Norwegian, European and American instrumentalists, but always emphasizes her complete individuality and uniqueness. Her music has been a source of musical delight since many years back, and continues to be so to this very day. Thank you for that, my Lady!

Updated: 01/02/2024Posted: 01/02/2024

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IVAN MAZUZE ~ UBUNTU LOSEN 139 (Barcode: 7090025831393) ~ NORWAY ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2014 - 2015 Released: 2015 This is the third album by Mozambique born and resident in Norway saxophonist Ivan MazuzeFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quintet which also includes guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist, pianists Michael BlochFind albums by this artist or Sifiso MakalistaFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter NdlalaFind albums by this artist and drummer Frank PacoFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original tunes, ten of which were composed by Mazuze and two were co-composed by him and Bloch. The music, although obviously influenced by African, Caribbean and other World Music influences, is mostly Smooth Jazz oriented, with slick saxophone licks dominating the proceedings. The ethnic ingredients are mostly felt in the rhythmic layer of the music, and they are very "well behaved" if not to say tamed and become a flavor rather than the essence. As a result the music has mostly an entertaining value. Mazuze has a beautiful tone, especially on the soprano saxophone, and plays some nice flute solos. The accompanying musicians are all professionals; Young plays a few nice solos, but those do not step outside of the overall formula of this album, Ndlala has a great groove feel and the other just do what is expected of them. There is of course nothing wrong with staying on the easy side of the Jazz idiom and many listeners enjoy such music immensely, but it is definitely not for the core of Jazz connoisseurs. Overall this is a well played Smooth Jazz album with nice tunes which sounds best while driving a fast car on a California highway…

Updated: 17/02/2016Posted: 17/02/2016

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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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JACOB YOUNG ~ FOREVER YOUNG ECM 2366 (Barcode: 602537688968) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the 6th album as a leader (3rd on ECMFind albums on this label) by Norwegian guitarist / composer Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with Norwegian saxophonist Trygve SeimFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section of pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Marcin Wasilewski TrioFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Young. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by my late Friend Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, offering a spectacular sound quality, as expected. The music is beautifully melodic, almost romantic, flowing gently and being a classic illustration of the Nordic Jazz sound. Although Young is undoubtedly the leader of this recording, he is certainly happy to share the spotlight with Seim and Wasilewski, who share at least as much if not more of the soloing duties with the leader. The Polish rhythm section is absolutely perfect for this music, as Wasilewski is a Master of romantic / lyrical expression, as evident on his numerous recordings with this trio. Strangely / sadly it took a whole decade for Young to record his next solo album “EventuallyFind albums with this title” to follow this one. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of Norwegian Jazz, which after all is still very much associated with the Nordic Jazz idiom, going back to the early Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist recordings, which influenced generations to come. Exquisite performances by all the musicians, beautiful compositions and crystal clear sound combined, create a classic modern Jazz album with a pinch of Nordic cool and Polish warmth.

Updated: 27/01/2024Posted: 27/01/2024

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