Record Reviews
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  | JAN GUNNAR HOFF ~ FLY NORTH!
LOSEN 119 (Barcode: 7090025831195) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is the fourteenth recording as a leader by the celebrated Norwegian pianist / composer Jan Gunnar HoffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Norwegian trumpeter Arve HenriksenFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and Danish (born in US) drummer / percussionist Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Hoff.
Recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, this album is the epitome of what is known as Scandinavian Jazz or Scandinavian Sound, popularized for decades by ECM Records. Characterized by slow, melancholic, introvert and minimalistic melody lines and delicate, rounded notes, that seem to be floating like leaves in the wind or flowers on the (icy) water, The Scandinavian Sound has many avid followers around the globe and honestly nobody even tries to mimic this unique phenomenon, not even the Chinese ;)
Of course Scandinavian Sound is often criticized by (mostly American) Jazz fans and critics for being tedious and lacking the basic daring Jazz spirit of exploration and discovery. Sadly in some cases this is indeed true, but certainly the entire idiom is very far from that shortsighted criticism, and in many cases produces extraordinary music, full of intelligence and deep emotion, and proudly representing the multifaceted European Jazz.
There is no doubt that this music, apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, is also very communicative. The ability of musicians to communicate with their audiences without compromising their artistic vision is often underestimated, and this album is a superb example of such a case. This music can be absorbed on many different levels, from the purely emotional to the deeply intellectual, with each of these levels having something magical to offer to the listener.
Although the focus of the album is directed towards Hoff´s piano, which he plays with grace and virtuosity, the other members of the quartet also contribute enormously; Henriksen´s "flute-like" trumpet sound is absolutely unique and captivating, Jormin, who is one of my all times favorite bassists, plays marvelously and his long melodic lines are a balsam to the ears and finally Mazur is, as always, more ornamenting the proceedings with her delicate and wonderfully timed touches, rather than setting the rhythms.
Overall this is an instant Scandinavian Sound classic, which was warmly received upon its release and surely will keep many listeners happy in years to come!
| | Updated: 08/03/2016Posted: 08/03/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOLFGANG LACKERSCHMID ~ LAKE GENEVA
HIPJAZZ 015 (Barcode: 4250095882845) ~ GERMANY ~ Smooth Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 2018
This is a reissue of an album by German Jazz vibraphonist / composer Wolfgang LackerschmidFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with American guitarist Chuck LoebFind albums by this artist and bassist John LeeFind albums by this artist and Danish percussionist Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, three each by Lackerschmid, Loeb and Lee and one by Mazur. This remastered edition adds one bonus track.
The music is a typical American influenced Fusion, which resembles music played by other ensembles at the time, especially Steps AheadFind albums by this artist led by American vibraphonist Mike MainieriFind albums by this artist, of which Loeb was a member. The music is very melodic and easy on the ear, bordering on Smooth Jazz, but always elegant and solid. The compositions are kept within a defined harmonic framework, serving as basis for lengthy improvisations, mostly by Loeb. Of course the performances are highly professional, as appropriate of musicians of this class.
Overall this is a very pleasant album, enjoyable like an afternoon breeze, but not very ambitious musically. A nice groove and a relaxed mood are the main elements this music stands for. This is ideal for listeners who like American Fusion / Groove music with a lot of gentle guitar work up front. Although this music is over two decades old, it is still perfectly valid within the Smooth Jazz framework.
| | Updated: 08/07/2018Posted: 08/07/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MALUBA ORCHESTRA ~ MALUBA ORCHESTRA
STUNT 19042 (Barcode: 663993190426) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by Danish thirteen-piece Jazz orchestra called Maluba OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which name combines the first two letters of the three co-leaders: percussionist / composer Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / composer Fredrik LundinFind albums by this artist and guitarist Kasper BaiFind albums by this artist. In its ranks we also find the excellent Polish (resident in Denmark) trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, five by Mazur, three by Lundin and two by Bai.
The music is an absolute brilliant display of what European Orchestral Jazz is all about. It combines perfectly the entire kaleidoscope of Jazz sub-genres, from Swing to Free, and offers complex but coherent compositions, superb arrangements and of course sublime execution by the orchestra members. There is plenty of space for individual soloing, but the full power of the orchestra is most impressive in the collective performances.
Each and every one of the composition is a true gem, and the entire album offers a diverse, stylistically and more importantly aesthetically perfect equilibrium of sensitivity and good taste, which characterizes European Jazz at its best. The final piece on the album is an ode to Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, based on his New Year chorale (BWV 288), which is a classic example of Jazz-Classical Fusion and which makes only subtle references to the actual source and leaves the rest to an intelligent listener.
The many followers of Dabrowski have here a wonderful opportunity to hear many of his excellent contributions here, often more "conventional" than on his own recordings but by no means less impressive, as usual representing Polish Jazz proudly.
Overall this is a beautiful orchestral Jazz album, which has no dull moments and offers a glimpse into the Danish Jazz scene, which in the last decade enjoys a renaissance with many excellent young musicians playing alongside their veteran colleagues. Absolutely not to be missed!
| | Updated: 06/01/2020Posted: 06/01/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARILYN MAZUR / JAN GARBAREK ~ ELIXIR
ECM 1962 (Barcode: 602517373204) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2008
This is a beautiful intimate cooperation between Danish percussionist Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist and saxophone legend Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist. Mazur played as a regular member of the Garbarek ensemble for many years and recorded numerous albums with him, but this is the first album where she and her percussion instruments from all over the world stand in the centre of attention and calls the shots. Garbarek responds sympathetically to the rhythmic clues supplied by Mazur and the evolving dialog is deeply moving and aesthetically highly elegant. Both musicians obviously respect each other deeply, which is a basis for any meaningful conversation, musical or otherwise. This kind of music demands total attention from the listener, but the experience is highly rewarding and well worth trying out. Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
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