Record Reviews

STEFANO BOLLANI ~ STONE IN THE WATER ECM 2080 (Barcode: 602517941618) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is an album by Italian Jazz pianist / composer Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with Danish rhythm section comprising of bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Bollani and two by Bodilsen, two are Brazilian standards and one is an arrangement of a Classical piece. Bollani is a superb pianist and a great Romantic, and his approach to improvisation combines ideally the American tradition of Bill Evans and modern European Jazz, with some Classical Music influences. Combined with the excellent rhythm section, the music is an instant classic of Jazz piano trio music. Both the original compositions and the standards are perfect vehicles for the trio to showcase their perfect symbiotic collaboration, which focuses on Bollani’s virtuosity but emphasizes the importance of the trio format at the same time. The deeply melodic side of Bollani is omnipresent and his gentle touches on the keyboard are simply irresistible. Overall, this is a remarkable Jazz piano trio album, an instant classic, which can be enjoyed by all Jazz lovers, regardless of their stylistic preferences, as this is truly the Jazz essence at its best. Although Bollani’s discography is pretty extensive, this is one of my personal favorites of his recordings. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 28/05/2023Posted: 28/05/2023

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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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CLAUS WAIDTLOW ~ NEW BEGINNING GATEWAY 5707471056806 (Barcode: 5707471056806) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is an album by Danish saxophonist / composer Claus WaidtlowFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Jacob ChristoffersenFind albums by this artist, bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist. On three tracks the quartet is expanded to a septet with additional horns. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Waidtlow. The music is kept well within melodic mainstream Jazz, but the compositions are fresh and coherent, typical of contemporary European Jazz, based on nontrivial harmonic approach and delicate refined aesthetics. The three septet tracks are superbly arranged for the larger ensemble, retaining the subtlety and delicacy of the quartet. Waidtlow plays with fluency and confidence, but always with elegance and restrain, with a wonderful tone blissfully reminiscent of Stan GetzFind albums by this artist. The rhythm section is simply perfect in every way, always closely supportive behind the leader, with superb harmonic accompaniment by the piano and fluent precise rhythmic drive by the bass and drums, who are always present but remain unobtrusive. Overall this is a classic example of contemporary mainstream European Jazz, which is simply perfect from start to finish and a great fun to listen to proving that mainstream melody based jazz can be creative, sophisticated and delightful at the same time. As a matter of fact this is one of the best albums in that specific idiom that have come across my desk lately. Hats off! Although mainstream oriented, this album should be of interest to all Jazz connoisseurs the world over. The special European flavor, elegance and grace simple place it ahead of most other mainstream recordings originating from across the pond. A delightful gem!

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

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