Record Reviews

JAN SIMONS ~ ANSWER SILENCE 0002 (Barcode: 6418770600230) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 This is the debut album by Finnish Jazz bassist / composer Jan SimonsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a sextet which surprisingly includes the great British trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist alongside young (at the time) Finnish players: saxophonist Manuel DunkelFind albums by this artist, guitarist Niklas WinterFind albums by this artist, pianist Samuli MikkonenFind albums by this artist and already well known drummer Markku OunaskariFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, six by Simons, two by Winter and three co-composed by all the five Finnish musicians participating on the album. The music is beautifully melodic, typically full of Finnish lyricism and Nordic climates, but which also allows for openness and freedom during the many excellent solo parts. The level of the compositions is impressively mature and coherent and the entire album is a true European Jazz gem. As expected, Wheeler plays splendidly alongside these much younger musicians, but their performances are by all means equally expressive and impressive. As a result the album presents an ensemble effort with Wheeler accepting the role of an equal participant, rather than a star guest, which perfectly fits his good natured character and his respect towards fellow musicians, which he displayed throughout his entire career. For people not familiar with Finnish Jazz (sadly not many Jazz fans are even aware of the fact that Jazz exists in Finland), this is a wonderful opportunity to get exposed to one of the most interesting and advanced European Jazz scenes out there. After following the Finnish Jazz closely since the 1960s, I have developed a deep and profound love and respect towards Finnish Jazz and was able to write quite a lot on the subject as well as count many Finnish Jazz musicians as personal friends since many years. Thanks to a splendid level of Jazz education and a lively local scene, as well as the geographic proximity to other Scandinavian Jazz centers, Finnish Jazz was able to produce over the years many first-rate European Jazz musicians and a fabulous legacy of hundreds of Jazz albums, which include some of the most impressive European Jazz recordings ever made. Overall this is of course a rare opportunity to hear Wheeler play with young and relatively unknown musicians, which for his many connoisseurs and collectors of his albums is an absolute must. But at the same time the album is a great introduction to modern Finnish Jazz at its best, which hopefully will prompt some listeners to discover that fascinating scene. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 28/03/2019Posted: 28/03/2019

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