Record Reviews

SCHEEN JAZZORKESTER & STALE STORLOKKEN ~ DOUBLE REALITY BEYOND SPACE AND TIME GRONG 25021 (Barcode: 7186039296034) ~ NORWAY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 11th album by the Norwegian Jazz Big Band / Orchestra, called Scheen JazzorkesterFind albums by this artist, this time recorded with keyboardist / composer Stale StorlokkenFind albums by this artist, who was commissioned to write the six compositions presented here, which were recorded in the studio, mixed and produced by him. The orchestra, which was established in 2010, consists now of twelve members, all of which are highly experienced and proficient musicians. Storlokken joins the orchestra’s lineup and plays on all tracks. The music is, as usual, quite complex and challenging, moody and definitely not what Big Band listeners usually expect, but of course this is exactly what its musical direction is about, portraying both strong Scandinavian influences, dark climates and modern European Orchestral Jazz, which is diametrically different from the American tradition. There are some Ambient, Progressive Rock, Classical and Folkloristic influences, and the melodic elements are anything but straightforward, which of course means that the music requires attentive listening and patience, which eventually pays back big time. Storlokken’s keyboards, organ and synthesizer parts stay mostly in the background, adding an ambient aura to the proceedings, but they are clearly ab important ingredient of the music, which often sounds close to cinematic scores. Considering the fact that he has built up an extensive discography since the 1990s, as a leader and member of several ensembles, including cooperation with Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist and Arve HenriksenFind albums by this artist, he is certainly one of the leading Norwegian music personalities. I have been following this Big Band since day one and their collective recording legacy is a tremendous example of modern European Big Band / Orchestra Music achievements, which present a wide scale of musical trends and approaches, always searching for new challenges and new means of musical expression. Overall, this is another excellent addition to the Scheen Jazzorkester legacy, which never ceases to surprise and innovate and is always ready for fresh challenges. Jazz lovers, who are open-minded and love the Big Band sound should be extremely satisfied with this album. Well done, as always!

Updated: 17/12/2025Posted: 17/12/2025

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