Record Reviews

MATHILDE GROOSS VIDDAL / FRIENSEMBLET ~ OUT OF SILENCE GIRAFFA 1706 (Barcode: 7090025838552) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 - 2016 Released: 2017 This is the fifth album by Norwegian saxophonist / composer / bandleader Mathilde Grooss ViddalFind albums by this artist and her twelve piece FriEnsembletFind albums by this artist, which features this time as a guest the French / Syrian flautist Naissam JalalFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight original pieces, one of which is a three part suite, composed by Viddal, Jalal and members of the FriEnsemblet. All the music was recorded live at three different locations and was mastered by the wizard Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist at his famous den called Rainbow Studio. The music is, as expected, large ensemble Jazz with World Music influences, varying from soaring up tempo pieces to contemplative moments, presenting the full power and beauty of a large ensemble playing in unison, which can not be matched by smaller ensembles. Although the music is often well structured and arranged the soloists get a complete freedom to explore their own levels of consciousness, which tend to be much more Free Form oriented than the thematic background. At times the entire ensemble moves into a Free Form territory, which is also very powerful. The album presents a rich tapestry of sounds and musical ideas, with polyrhythmic background and complex layers of intertwined themes, which keep the listener on his toes for the entire duration. There are many superb individual contributions by the members of the ensemble, but Jalal´s flute parts are definitely the most moving and profound statements. The Middle Eastern feel and intrinsic sadness are deeply rooted in her playing and she is able to fit her parts to the stylistically diverse character of the ensemble at large. Overall this album is a challenging, deep musical experience, which opens new vistas and offers original interpretations of the possibilities that emerge within cross-genre experiments. Careful and repeated listening is recommended, but satisfaction is guaranteed. This is also a tragic reminder of the terrible tragedy that the Syrian People suffered (and still keep suffering) as the result of the devastating civil war in their country. May this music be a prayer in memory of the innocent victims and a ray of hope and solace!

Updated: 04/11/2017Posted: 04/11/2017

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