Record Reviews

ARILD ANDERSEN ~ GREEN IN BLUE ECM 2143/45 (Barcode: 602527334486) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 - 1978 Released: 2010 This wonderful Box Set contains the three early albums by Norwegian bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist with his all Scandinavian quartet released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are "Clouds In My HeadFind albums with this title" (ECM 1059) recorded in 1975, "ShimriFind albums with this title" (ECM 1082) recorded in 1976 and "Green Shading Into BlueFind albums with this title" (ECM 1127) recorded in 1978. The quartet comprised of Andersen with Norwegian saxophonist Knut RiisnaesFind albums by this artist (on the first album) / Finnish saxophonist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist (on the other two albums), Norwegian pianist Jon BalkeFind albums by this artist (on the first album) / Swedish pianist Lars JanssonFind albums by this artist (on the other two albums) and Norwegian drummer Pal ThowsenFind albums by this artist. Andersen, who composed most of the music (with a few compositions by Jansson) presented here, is one of the greatest representatives of Scandinavian Jazz, with a sublime sense of melody and a virtuosic ability on his instrument. The music is absolutely brilliant from start to finish and remains completely untouched by time. These are among the best recordings by Juhani Aaltonen as well. In retrospect this is some of the most impressive European Jazz ever recorded and an everlasting musical adventure. A must to any serious listener! Side Note: These three albums were not reissued on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ANDERS THOREN ~ SOURCES OF INSPIRATION AMP 001 ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer / composer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Norwegian saxophonist Borge-Are HalvorsenFind albums by this artist, Swedish pianist Lars JanssonFind albums by this artist and Norwegian bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven pieces, three composed by Jansson, two co-composed by Jansson and Thoren, two composed by Halvorsen and four composed by musicians outside of the quartet. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to music by fellow musicians, who inspired Thoren´s journey into music, including the celebrated pianist / composer Lars Jansson, who is featured on this album. The music is beautiful mainstream contemporary Jazz, with a strong Nordic tinge, but moving also to other, more exotic, territories. Wonderfully melodic and accessible, the music manages to keep a high standard in all respects, with intelligent arrangements and heartfelt love of the subject matter. It is a wonderful example of melody based music which can be sophisticated, elegant and fascinating, without being tiresome and pretentious. The level of the compositions is excellent and full of positive energy and inspiration. The execution is absolutely stunning in every respect. Jansson virtuosic piano parts are of course the highlight of the quartet´s sound, but all the musicians play in perfect harmony and with obvious respect. Halvorsen adds sleek saxophone parts and the rhythm section is simply fabulous, working like a symbiotic duo to support the soloist and adding their respective solos on the way. Berg is marvelously melodic and his full tone adds significantly to the overall sound of the quartet. Thoren has an excellent feel of time and uses a plethora of techniques to keep the pulsating rhythms in check, while not being obtrusive. Overall this is a very impressive debut, which should make all Jazz connoisseurs happy, especially since it offers also a sublime sound quality. A wonderful gift of pure and unadulterated mainstream Jazz, which should warm the listeners hears during long winter evening or cool them down during hot summer nights.

Updated: 21/10/2017Posted: 21/10/2017

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend