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  | ANDREAS LOVEN ~ NANGIJALA
LOSEN 135 (Barcode: 7090025831355) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the debut album by Norwegian pianist / composer Andreas LovenFind albums by this artist, recorded while he lived in South Africa, created in an intimate duo setting with local saxophonist Buddy WellsFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Spha MdlaloseFind albums by this artist is featured on a couple of tracks and contributed the lyrics to the song she performs. The album presents ten tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Loven and one is a composition by the Danish composer Bent Fabricius-BjerreFind albums by this artist.
The music is beautifully melodic and lyrical, even melancholic at times, which is often the case with musicians originating in the Scandinavian countries. Loven did not yet immerse himself at this point into the riches of the South African ethnic experience, and therefore this music is still very much European, but it does show some subtle World Music influences.
Loven plays wonderfully from start to finish, keeping the music swinging and floating gently. Wells adds his excellent saxophone contributions, playing fluidly and in perfect harmony with Loven, creating together in intimate, highly emotional aesthetic environments, which in often minimal sonically but full of graceful music. Obviously the "less is more" method wins again.
The two vocal tracks are both excellent. Mdlalose sings a superb vocalese on one track and conventional lyrics on the other, and they are definitely like a proverbial cherry on top of the cake. I´d love to hear more from her.
The album has a wonderful sound quality, warm and embracing, which will surely put a wide smile on the faces of people who enjoy exquisite Hi-Fi results, those in addition of course to the great musical contents.
Overall this is a very impressive debut recording, which promises good things to come in the future. Delicate, gentle and highly aesthetic and of course warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 21/03/2016Posted: 21/03/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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