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  | ORJAN HULTEN TRIO / JOHAN BERKE ~ THE DEAD
ARTOGRUSH 008 (Barcode: 7350051971167) ~ SWEDEN ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012
This is the third album by the trio led by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist with bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. This time the trio is expanded into a quartet with the addition of guitarist Johan BerkeFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight original compositions, three composed by Hulten, another three co-composed by all four musicians and two composed by Berke.
The presence of Berke and the extensive usage of electronics on this album changed significantly the musical concept in comparison to the two preceding albums recorded by the trio. The music presented here is much more ambient and atmospheric, melancholic and reflective than the melodic based earlier material. It is therefore somewhat removed from the mainstream Jazz presented earlier and ventures also into Avant Garde experimentation. Berke emerges as an excellent instrumentalist and his less conventional approach and playing style are a surprising and refreshing juxtaposition of musical ideas.
The album could be divided into two parts, where the first part features the three compositions by Hulten, which are followed by relatively short free electronic improvisations by the quartet. The second part is a two-part suite by Berke, which features recitation in Japanese. There seems to be a concept behind the album, as suggested by the album´s title which originates from a short poem by Hulten.
In spite of all the changes, Hulten and the trio / quartet manage to present heartfelt musical ideas, which are certainly worth investigating and which although more demanding to the average listener, become as rewarding as the earlier work. The spirit of exploration and experimentation, which is obvious on this album, is an essential aspect of music making and those artists who lack the ability to progress and try out new ideas are very often simply lagging behind. Overall Hulten and his cohorts manage to keep up the excellent work they started together a few years earlier and this album solidifies their position as proud representatives of the contemporary Scandinavian / European Jazz, which simply does not disappoint. Well done again!
| | Updated: 17/12/2018Posted: 06/07/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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