Record Reviews

KETIL BJORNSTAD ~ GRACE EMARCY 044001362224 (Barcode: 044001362224) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 This is a beautiful Jazz & Poetry album by Norwegian pianist / composer Ketil BjornstadFind albums by this artist, recorded with a splendid team, which includes vocalist Anneli DreckerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / vocalist Bendik HofsethFind albums by this artist, guitarist Eivind AarsetFind albums by this artist, electronics manipulator Jan BangFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and Indian percussionist Trilok GurtuFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, all composed by Bjornstad, with lyrics based on writings by the English poet / writer John DonneFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live with overdubs added at the Rainbow Studio and edited / mixed by the great Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The music is all beautifully melancholic and delicate, with echoes of late English Renaissance and typical Nordic accents. Although not a strictly Jazz album as such, it has many Jazz influences, not surprisingly in view of the lineup. The music develops gently and requires patience and attention, but is highly rewarding and accessible to a wide range of artistically inclined audiences. Overall, this is a beautiful Jazz & Poetry project as well as a nice example of the Norwegian Jazz scene, which has so many surprising sides, all worth being discovered. It is a quartet of a Century old, but lost none of its beauty and charm over time!

Updated: 16/02/2025Posted: 16/02/2025

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KETIL BJORNSTAD / SVANTE HENRYSON ~ NIGHT SONG ECM 2108 (Barcode: 602527095790) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 Following the two piano / cello albums recorded for the ECMFind albums on this label label by Norwegian pianist / composer Ketil BjornstadFind albums by this artist with US cellist David DarlingFind albums by this artist, he returns for the third time in the same instrumental setting, now with Swedish cellist Svante HenrysonFind albums by this artist. The music, similar in body and spirit to the previous duets, is on the other hand surprisingly different. Mostly composed by Bjornstad (twelve of the sixteen tracks with the remaining four by Henryson) it is atmospheric and deeply emotional, with strong ties to European Classical tradition, although Jazzy at all times. The telepathic cooperation between the two Masters is astounding and the overall atmosphere of the album is magical and mesmerizing. This is serious music, not to be listened to casually, and obviously requiring some effort, but the experience is deeply rewarding. Recommended to more experienced listeners, who also like contemporary Classical and other more complex musical forms.

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