Record Reviews

AMC TRIO & ULF WAKENIUS ~ WAITING FOR A WOLF HEVHETIA 0048 (Barcode: 8588002496738) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the second album recorded by the Slovak AMC TrioFind albums by this artist – pianist Peter AdamkovicFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin MarincakFind albums by this artist and drummer Stanislav CvancigerFind albums by this artist – with Swedish guitarist Ulf WakeniusFind albums by this artist, released again on the Slovak HevhetiaFind albums on this label label. It presents eight original compositions, all credited to the trio members. The album was fabulously recorded at the legendary Viennese Jazz club Porgy & Bess (although not live). The music is a collection of highly melodic, relatively simple themes, performed skillfully by the trio and beautifully complimented by the presence of the guitar, which adds a new dimension to the proceedings. Wakenius´ guitar sonically resembles the ambiance of Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist early recordings, but is much more focused and inspired, saving the album from the dangers of elevator muzak. Personally this kind of music usually bores me after a couple of tracks, but this album maintains a magical thread of interest, which kept me alert for the entire duration. The trio is obviously a smooth and highly polished musical unit and their music sounds simply perfect (perhaps too perfect) from start to finish. The dynamics of the tunes, the solos, the arrangements are likeable, full of lyricism, romanticism and obvious intrinsic elegance, but the music lacks drama and development in my opinion. If not for the guitar parts, this album would have been too sweet to swallow. The trio members are skilled instrumentalists; Adamkovic plays several inspired solos and Marincak pushes the trio forward with his pulsating rhythms. Sadly the drums are recorded / mixed so much in the background that they are hardly audible. Wakenius is of course a brilliant player, with rare sensitivity, superb technical mastery of his instrument and a great deal of imagination, which are all clearly apparent when he plays his solo parts. When his solos are over one is always left with a lingering for more. I have been following his career for many years and he is consistently excellent in all the settings his path led him through, both as a leader and as a sideman. Overall this is an enjoyable album for fans of melodic, slightly Fusion oriented music with some scorching guitar parts, which sounds great while driving a cabriolet by the sea. Enjoy!

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