Record Reviews

ORJAN HULTEN / ADAM FORKELID ~ AVANT-GARDE MELODIQUE OP 111 2402 (Barcode: 9008798615254) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2024 This is a live album by a duo of Swedish Jazz musicians: saxophonist Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and pianist Adam ForkelidFind albums by this artist, who were both members for several years of the quartet called Orjan Hulten OrionFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions, five by Hulten and four by Forkelid. The album offers excellent sound quality. The music was recorded just before the outbreak of the Pandemic and was released only recently, after “maturing” like a good beverage. Despite the title, the music is perfectly melodic and mainstream oriented, so I suppose it was just a “tease”. Both performers are experienced and talented musicians, so it is hardly surprising that their interplay is truly amazing, as appropriate for the “Art of the Duo” setting. They complement each other perfectly and the result is more than just the sum of the ingredients. Based on solid and coherent melodic basis, the music flows splendidly and offers a truly exciting musical experience, spiced with imaginative improvisations. Overall, this is a splendid example of minimalist European Jazz at its best, which finds two kindred spirits exchanging musical ideas and associations with elegance and obvious companionship. Mainstream Jazz lovers should be delighted with this album, which delivers everything one might wish for in a Jazz album: great music, spirited improvisations and an obvious love of the act of playing music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 23/08/2024Posted: 23/08/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ FALTRAPPORT ARTOGRUSH 010 (Barcode: 7350051972324) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his quartet OrionFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Adam ForkelidFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Hulten, two of which are combined into a two-part mini-suite. The music is typical contemporary European Jazz, melody based but with enough intrinsic space to allow for extensive improvisations and mood and tempi changes, all within one tune. The compositions are versatile both harmonically and rhythmically, which makes this album a breeze to listen to, as things keep happening all the time, keeping the listener on his toes. Swedish Jazz, although definitely originating in Scandinavia, is usually not characterized by the so called Scandinavian sound, full of melancholy and dreamy sound vistas. As this album proves, the Swedes were always closer to the American Jazz tradition, which they of course domesticated in their own way. There are some obvious World Music influences present here as well, which make things even more interesting. All four quartet members are excellent instrumentalists, which is evident both from their individual solo spots and the collective playing. Hulten plays some mean soprano parts, which could easily put a snake in a trance. Forkelid solos extensively and each of his solos displays another layer of his multifaceted talent. Augustson is a very powerful bassist, with a wonderfully warm tone and a virtuosic ability to keep the pulse going and finally Danemo very intelligently cements the grooves with his energetic but nonintrusive beats. Overall this is a delightful album from start to finish, sometimes groovy, sometimes reflective but always meticulously woven and executed. The music, although far from being trivial, sounds very easy and accessible, which of course is the optimal state of affairs for a Jazz album. Well done indeed and wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 06/07/2016Posted: 05/03/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ LIBERIA BALLAD ARTOGRUSH 013 (Barcode: 5902693142690) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the fifth album by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his OrionFind albums by this artist quartet, which also includes pianist Torbjorn GulzFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. Liberian vocalist Ernie BruceFind albums by this artist guest on the album and contributed the lyrics of the songs he performs. The album presents nine original compositions, five by Gulz, and two each by Hulten and Bruce. The album was recorded following the visit by the quartet in Liberia and meeting Bruce there. The music is obviously influenced to some degree by African motifs, but continues the path established by the earlier recordings of modern European Jazz, based on solid melodic themes, which serve as basis for the improvisations. The vocals are a new element and bring the music somewhat closer to the tradition, but do not change the quartet´s modus operandi of basic aesthetics dramatically. All four instrumentalists are experienced players and their performances are, as expected, perfect for the occasion. Both Hulten and Gulz offer superb soloing and the rhythm section drives the music forward with grace and effectiveness, also adding solo parts. The vocals are in a way less professional, but charming in their natural way and perfectly acceptable. The lengthy suite, which combines free improvisation and narration, and later develops into a blues, is very original and is one of the most interesting moments on the album. Overall this is an excellent album, which offers a genuine Jazz experience full of heartfelt musical statements, which should keep every Jazz connoisseur perfectly happy. As usual, wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 25/05/2020Posted: 25/05/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ MINUSGRADER ARTOGRUSH 012 (Barcode: 6420114013354) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the fourth album by the Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his OrionFind albums by this artist quartet, which also includes pianist Torbjorn GulzFind albums by this artist (a new member of the quartet), bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, three of which were composed by Hulten and two each by the remaining members of the quartet. The album celebrates the first decade of the quartet´s activity. The music remains faithful to the quartet´s past recordings, presenting melodic contemporary mainstream Jazz, with superbly crafted compositions and excellent performances. Clearly all four musicians are gifted composers and the tunes flow elegantly one after another, keeping the listener on his toes. Stylistically the music is closer to American Jazz than to the European aesthetics, which is hardly surprising since Swedish Jazz was always closer to the American roots than the rest of the Old Continent. Hulten, as always, charms the listener with his smooth tone and romanticism, carefully avoiding falling into the Smooth Jazz trap and proving not only his proficiency but also his inventiveness. Gulz flawlessly fills the piano chair, providing perfect harmonic accompaniment and wonderful soloing, which compliments Hulten´s playing perfectly. Augustson keeps the pulse of the music going steady and solos brilliantly and finally Danemo keeps the rhythmic layer ticking like clockwork, always delicately behind the rest of the players, strong enough to be felt but never being in the way. Overall this is again a wonderfully delightful album, which is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish, and which proves that mainstream Jazz is still a valid idiom in the hands of great musicians playing music by gifted composers. Definitely well done and warmly recommended!

Updated: 23/05/2019Posted: 23/05/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ MR NOBODY ARTOGRUSH 009 (Barcode: 7350051971297) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the second album by Swedish Jazz saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his quartet called OrionFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Adam ForkelidFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. It presents nine original compositions, six of which were composed by Hulten, one by Danemo, another one by Forkelid and the remaining one is credited to all four members of the quartet, and is a freely improvised piece. The title track appears three times and although these tracks are not placed consecutively on the album, they tell a story when combined into a mini-suite, which I can only assume talks about the estrangement of a person in big US cities like NY and Boston. Perhaps even the entire album is a "concept" piece around that theme, judging by the compositions´ titles. The music is based on wonderful melodic themes, which are then expanded by lengthy improvisations into typical contemporary European Jazz, full of elegance and beautiful flow. The listener is immediately immersed in that flow and finds it impossible to let go until the last tone of the music disappear into the silence. Most of the music falls within the mainstream Jazz idiom, except for the freely improvised piece, which is of course the most adventurous piece of music on this album. Hopefully more of such exploration will be utilized by the quartet at some later time. But there is a large degree of freedom and space in the composed music as well, which allows for highly interesting soloing and fascinating group interplay in the process. The individual contributions by the quartet members are all beyond reproach: Hulten and Forkelid both play formidable solos repeatedly and the rhythm section supports them amicably and skillfully. The entire quartet sounds like an organic music-making entity, closely knit by mutual respect and common desire to make music, which sadly is not always the case. Overall this is a gorgeous, cohesive, perfectly executed and wonderfully recorded piece of European Jazz, which should win over even the most scrupulous connoisseurs. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 01/07/2016Posted: 25/03/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ RADIO IN MY HEAD ARTOGRUSH 007 (Barcode: 7350051970535) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is the debut album by Swedish Jazz saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his quartet called OrionFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Adam ForkelidFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. It presents ten original compositions, nine of which were composed by Hulten and one is credited to all four members of the quartet, and is a freely improvised piece. Hulten wrote a short story, compiled of the compositions´ titles and printed on the cover, which perhaps indicates that the entire album is a "concept" piece around the theme of the album´s title, which seems to be a modus operandi Hulten was about to repeat on his next album as well. From the very first notes on this album it becomes immediately apparent that Hulten is a composer to be reckoned with, judging by the quality of the beautiful music included here. Strongly based on delightful melodic themes, these compositions are remarkably open, allowing for extensive improvising by the quartet members, which sounds completely natural and integrated within the structure of the music. Characteristic of modern European Jazz, this music proposes an ideal formula for amalgamating the Jazz tradition with a much more advanced approach to composition and improvisation. All four members of the quartet are also superb instrumentalists, with highly developed Jazz aesthetics, which allows them to present a diverse set of musical approaches, and above all cooperate between themselves at all times. Although Hulten and Forkelid carry most of the soloing duties, the rhythm section is an integral part of the music and their contributions are invaluable. This album has a wonderful natural flow from start to finish, regardless if the music swings like a metronome or floats freely between the notes. Overall this is a superb album in every respect and a stunning debut effort (for this quartet not for Hulten who has been recording as a leader since 2002), which deserves to be heard by all Jazz connoisseurs. At the time of writing the quartet released two subsequent albums, both of which are exceptional, and hopefully will continue to create excellent music again. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 06/07/2016Posted: 09/04/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ SHIFTING GROUND PROPHONE 308 (Barcode: 822359003309) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the sixth album by Swedish Jazz saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet called OrionFind albums by this artist, which includes also pianist Torbjorn GulzFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, one by Hulten, two by Gulz, three by Augustson and two by Danemo. The music is all within modern mainstream Jazz, based on solid, mostly very lyrical and melodic compositions, elegantly performed by the quartet. The “democratic” decision to allow all members of the quartet to offer their compositions pays off, as those are of the highest standard. The performances are also excellent, with Hulten displaying his highly polished saxophone fluidity, Gulz full of melancholy and tender piano phrasing and the rhythm section being highly supportive at all times. Overall, this is a very pleasant, elegant and delicate album, almost romantic at times, which offers a great listening experience away from the noise and tumult that surrounds us most of the time. With the excellent sound quality and superb performances, it is an island of sanity and pure unadulterated satisfaction. Well done!

Updated: 03/03/2023Posted: 03/03/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN TRIO ~ 14 OCTOBER 2017 LIVE AT BAS ARTOGRUSH 011 (Barcode: 7350051973314) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the fourth album by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist / composer Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. The trio performs eight compositions, four of which are originals by Hulten, two are originals by Augustson and two are standards. The album was recorded live at the BAS concert venue during the 2017 Stockholm Jazz Festival. The music on this album seems to be less melody oriented than the earlier recordings by the trio and offers an intimate trialogue, which a lot of breathing space and searching intensity. Saxophone trio is one of the most demanding Jazz settings, and this trio, after playing together for so many years, brings the Art of the trio to perfection. The trio members are conversing at all times and this is never a leading instrument accompanied by a rhythm section situation, but rather a symbiotic cooperation. The Scandinavian "cool" is in the air, with the music tending to be minimalist and saying only what is necessary, without redundant ornamentation. As a result the music is pristine and fully coherent, adhering to the "less is more" principle. The live environment is obviously less constraining and these experienced musicians handle the "one take only" challenge with ease and elegance. All three members of the trio are obviously highly talented musicians, who share a deep respect towards each other, placing the trio´s togetherness above individual statements. This does not mean of course that the album does not feature superb soloing, especially by Augustson. Overall this is another important step in the already established career of this trio and the leader in his capacity as the principal composer. The album offers modern European / Scandinavian Jazz at its best, and is a joy to listen to. Well done, as usual!

Updated: 02/07/2018Posted: 02/07/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN TRIO ~ IN THE CITY ARTOGRUSH 005 (Barcode: 7320470104378) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is the second album by the trio led by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist with bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. The trio plays nine tunes, four composed by Augustson, three composed by Hulten and two standards. Five tunes were recorded in a studio and four were recorded live. Musically this album continues the direction set by the trio´s debut album recorded a year earlier, presenting modern European Jazz, based on melodic themes but at the same time open enough to allow extensive improvisations. Augustson gets exposure as a composer here and his music expands the trio´s musical language but does not change the direction dramatically. The personal contributions are all superb, with Hulten playing some passionate solos in the spirit of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s tradition, especially noticeable on the live tracks, which are naturally significantly longer than the studio pieces and allow much more expressive statements. The rhythm section stands shoulder to shoulder with Hulten and Augustson contributes several impressive bass solos in addition to his excellent accompaniment. Overall this is a first class Jazz album, which represents the young generation of European Jazz musicians, showing their respect towards the Jazz tradition as well as their search of new individual ways to express their Art. It is universal and sounds genuine and honest to all Jazz fans around the globe, regardless of their location. This album is definitely worth being investigated and deserves a place in every serious record collection. It lost absolutely nothing of its appeal over time, which again testifies as to its quality. Well done!

Updated: 04/07/2016Posted: 04/07/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN TRIO ~ IN THE WOODS ARTOGRUSH 003 (Barcode: 7332147000746) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is the debut album by a trio led by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist with bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. The trio plays nine original compositions, all by Hulten. The music is a wonderful collection of beautiful melodic tunes, played with passion and superb musicianship. Saxophone trios are among the most difficult Jazz setups, but in this case everything simply works out perfectly. The trio performs as one organic unit, with the musicians supporting each other amicably. Hulten plays remarkably, improvising intensely but at all times staying within the chord structure of the underlying melodies and although his improvisations are very complex at times, they let the listener to hear the melodic trail at all times. The rhythm section is quite intensive, playing along the leader closely, with Augustson being there with his strong and rhythmic pulsations, which add enormously to the flow of the music. Rundqvist is also pretty busy, playing polyrhythmically at tomes but always delicately and carefully trying not to disturb the flow. Overall this is a classic example of a perfectly functioning saxophone trio, full of harmony and mutual respect. The music represents perfectly modern contemporary European Jazz, with combines the Jazz tradition with advanced compositional complexity and fluent instrumental work, which recognizes versatility and openness both stylistically and conceptually. Although this is not a debut by Hulten, who released albums as a leader before this one, this is a remarkable debut for the trio, and it keeps the freshness and superb quality very well through out the years that passed since it was originally recorded. For Jazz connoisseurs of post-Coltrane modern European Jazz this is a true delight.

Updated: 01/07/2016Posted: 01/07/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN TRIO / JOHAN BERKE ~ THE DEAD ARTOGRUSH 008 (Barcode: 7350051971167) ~ SWEDEN ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the third album by the trio led by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist with bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. This time the trio is expanded into a quartet with the addition of guitarist Johan BerkeFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight original compositions, three composed by Hulten, another three co-composed by all four musicians and two composed by Berke. The presence of Berke and the extensive usage of electronics on this album changed significantly the musical concept in comparison to the two preceding albums recorded by the trio. The music presented here is much more ambient and atmospheric, melancholic and reflective than the melodic based earlier material. It is therefore somewhat removed from the mainstream Jazz presented earlier and ventures also into Avant Garde experimentation. Berke emerges as an excellent instrumentalist and his less conventional approach and playing style are a surprising and refreshing juxtaposition of musical ideas. The album could be divided into two parts, where the first part features the three compositions by Hulten, which are followed by relatively short free electronic improvisations by the quartet. The second part is a two-part suite by Berke, which features recitation in Japanese. There seems to be a concept behind the album, as suggested by the album´s title which originates from a short poem by Hulten. In spite of all the changes, Hulten and the trio / quartet manage to present heartfelt musical ideas, which are certainly worth investigating and which although more demanding to the average listener, become as rewarding as the earlier work. The spirit of exploration and experimentation, which is obvious on this album, is an essential aspect of music making and those artists who lack the ability to progress and try out new ideas are very often simply lagging behind. Overall Hulten and his cohorts manage to keep up the excellent work they started together a few years earlier and this album solidifies their position as proud representatives of the contemporary Scandinavian / European Jazz, which simply does not disappoint. Well done again!

Updated: 17/12/2018Posted: 06/07/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ IN THE NORTH ANELIA 002 (Barcode: 190394049126) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by the Greek guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and his first since he left London (where he lived for a dozen years) for Stockholm. It is recorded in a quartet setting with three Swedish musicians: saxophonist Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist, bassist Palle SollingerFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Spiliotopoulos. The music floats between contemporary Jazz and Fusion, with clear melodic motifs and relaxed, lyrical atmosphere. The electric guitar emphasizes the Fusion association, although the contemplative nature of this music is definitely not of the usual Fusion shade. Also the presence of strong ethnic elements, Greek but also others like Middle Eastern and Scandinavian, take the music also into the World Music idiom. Overall there is a diverse collection of influences, which amalgamates into a fascinating musical coat of many colors. Spiliotopoulos works very amicably with the Swedish musicians, who support him all the way through. His solos are all always full of splendid displays of his feel and technique. Hulten often plays the themes unisono with him and then they separate, each to play his own solo. The rhythm section handles the complex melody and tempi shifts without a hiccup, being there behind the two soloists at all times. The album has many wonderful moments and on the whole should satisfy all listeners of Fusion and beyond. This is definitely an album worth investigating and Spiliotopoulos is a musician worth being followed, judging from his career and achievements so far. So please remember his name and support his music every way you can.

Updated: 26/02/2016Posted: 13/02/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend