Record Reviews
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  | KARIN KROG ~ WHERE YOU AT?
ENJA 9144 (Barcode: 767522914429) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003
This is an album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in NY with a fabulous American trio: pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist David FinckFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy DrummondFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, three of which were written by Kuhn, four were composed by John SurmanFind albums by this artist with lyrics by Krog and the remaining four are standards.
Krog recorded several albums with Kuhn and they love to work together since many years, as this lovely album clearly shows. Kuhn is a highly sensitive accompanist and a virtuoso pianist, which can be heard on his numerous recordings, but his collaborations with Krog always offer a wonderful atmosphere of mutual respect and love.
Krog has been one of my favorite vocalist since decades and her idiosyncratic style and approach are absolutely unique. She combines the Jazz vocal tradition with modern and sometimes even Avant-Garde approach, especially when recording with Surman.
Overall, this is a fabulous classic Jazz vocal album, perfectly sung and played by fabulous musicians, with great mixture of original material and standards. Krog recorded quite a few albums during her career, and there is not even one of those, that does not make my day on a cloudy day. Love you, Karin!
| | Updated: 14/08/2023Posted: 14/08/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG / STEVE KUHN ~ BREAK OF DAY
MEANTIME 22 (Barcode: 7041880102227) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a duo album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and American pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist recorded in the US. American saxophonist Eric AlexanderFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist guest, each on three different tracks. The album presents fourteen tracks, all of which are Jazz standards. Three of the tracks feature lyrics written by Krog.
The music is a wonderful document of the rapport between Krog and Kuhn, which of course is present also on the other albums by the duo. The presence of the guests adds spark and glamour to the proceedings, but the duo offers everything needed to produce splendid Jazz just on their own of course.
Krog’s vocals are always highly intelligent and unique and Kuhn is a true virtuoso, who is able to get the most out of the piano, even if he uses a limited number of notes. Together they manage to enchant with their intimacy and heartfelt delivery.
Overall, this is a true gem of an album, which Jazz lovers should have a field day with. Brilliant piano technique and idiosyncratic vocals by one of the greatest European Jazz vocalists should be enough for everybody. Another great addition to the duo’s recorded legacy!
| | Updated: 11/05/2022Posted: 11/05/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG / STEVE KUHN ~ TOGETHER AGAIN
GRAPPA 4247 (Barcode: 7033662042470) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
This is a duo album by Norwegian Jazz vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and American Jazz pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, all classic Jazz standards. The music was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist.
During her long-lasting career Krog established close working relationships in several duo settings with top Jazz musicians, most notably with British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist and Kuhn, which resulted in a series of wonderful duo recordings, of which this is a prime example.
The wonderful, naked format of human voice accompanied just by acoustic piano is one of the purest and most pristine examples of making music, which although intimate and modest can become infinitely rich and deeply moving. Kuhn is of course one of the greatest accompanists out there, known for his work with Sheila JordanFind albums by this artist and other vocalists, and his playing is simply divine. Combined with the Krog’s warm voice and her idiosyncratic interpretations of the songs, the duo is able to move mountains and make even the toughest listeners to shed a proverbial tear.
Kuhn’s deeply lyrical approach to melody and the wealth of his piano technique is extraordinary and every note produced by him on the piano is absolutely perfect, in tone, volume and relationship to the vocals.
Overall, this is a masterful showcase of the piano / vocals Jazz idiom, perfect from the first note to the last, and deserving repeated listening sessions over time. When the world gets particularly gloomy and sad, this album might just be the last resort…
| | Updated: 29/08/2021Posted: 29/08/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE KUHN ~ MOSTLY COLTRANE
ECM 2099 (Barcode: 602527011141) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
Excellent album by US pianist / composer Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist with his trio comprising of bassist David FinckFind albums by this artist and drummer Joey BaronFind albums by this artist and guest saxophonist Joe LovanoFind albums by this artist. Kuhn, who is one of the most impressive American pianists / composers on the Jazz scene since the 1960s, started to record for the ECMFind albums on this label label in 1974 and his numerous albums on the label are all truly outstanding. On this album Kuhn re-examines the John ColtraneFind albums by this artist legacy as a composer, performing nine of his compositions. The other four selections include two compositions by Kuhn and two standards, which Coltrane performed often during the early stage of his career. Although obviously a tribute to the greatest Genius of Jazz, the album can be also viewed as an attempt to personalize Coltrane´s legacy and influence, adapting it to contemporary approach, half a Century after Coltrane composed and performed this music. Regardless of how one wants to analyze this music, it works perfectly and produces an aesthetic experience of the highest degree. Superb stuff!
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
This wonderful disc manages to bring a rich smoothness to the pieces without falling into the trap of "smooth jazz" (ie, not remotely MoR). Joey Baron adds brilliant highlights and I have made a mental not to hear more of Finck´s bass.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANDRZEJ OLEJNICZAK ~ NEW SAX CONCERTOS
POLSKIE RADIO 1855-1856 (Barcode: 5907812248550) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a wonderful album by Polish (living in Spain) Jazz saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, who performs three "borderline" pieces bridging Jazz and Classical music, which feature the saxophone as the leading instrument. The album was recorded live with Olejniczak performing the music with the Polish Radio OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist. Drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist is featured as co-soloist on one track.
The first piece, entitled "Focus Suite", was written by American composer Eddie SauterFind albums by this artist specifically for saxophonist Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, who recorded the suite in 1961 on the album entitled "FocusFind albums with this title", which to this day remains as one of the most revered Jazz recordings of all times. The original recording features Getz supported by a Jazz piano trio (pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist John NevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist) and a small string ensemble, with the music beautifully arranged by Sauter.
The second piece, entitled "Sax Concerto For Soprano Saxophone And Symphony Orchestra, was written by American composer Mark KussFind albums by this artist in 2006.
The third piece, entitled "Jazz Concerto For Saxophone And Orchestra", was written by Polish violinist / composer / conductor Krzesimir Debski in 2008. Debski and Olejniczak were both members of the legendary Polish Jazz ensemble String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which was active in the 1980s. The concerto was written for Olejniczak and incorporates many of the themes that appeared on the albums String Connection recorded at the time and the solo saxophone parts are based on transcriptions of the violin solos played by Debski at the time. In many respects this concerto symbolizes the closing of a time loop bringing the two great musicians together again.
The music is excellently performed by Olejniczak, who has a beautiful tone and superb technique. Although most of the music here is composed, there are plenty of opportunities for Olejniczak to express his own improvised passages, making this entire performance a once in a lifetime event. The orchestra is also top notch, supporting the soloist with elegance and obvious sympathy.
Fans of Jazz-Classical fusion will find this music right up their alley, but listeners of both Classical Music and Jazz should find this music worth their attention, especially in view of its aesthetic merits. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE SWALLOW ~ HOME
ECM 1160 (Barcode: 602567434870) ~ USA ~ Jazz & Poetry
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the debut album as a leader by American bassist / composer / bandleader Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and his second release on the ECMFind albums on this label label, following the duo album with Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist entitled “Hotel HelloFind albums with this title”, released five years earlier. The album was recorded in a sextet setting with vocalist Sheila JordanFind albums by this artist, pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, synthesizer player Lyle MaysFind albums by this artist and drummer Bob MosesFind albums by this artist, and it presents ten tracks, all composed by Swallow, with lyrics by the American poet Robert CreeleyFind albums by this artist.
The music is strongly melodic and often outright romantic, perfectly suiting the “Jazz & Poetry” idiom and the idiosyncratic poetry by Creeley, who was a magician of the poetic expression and could tell a story in just a very few words. Jordan, my favorite American Jazz vocalist, is absolutely perfect for the role of the storyteller, and albeit the fact that the lyrics are often minimalist, she sets the mood for the entire album.
The music is quite mainstream oriented, with most of the melodic content carried by Kuhn, who is brilliant as always. Surprisingly, Liebman plays some of the most well-behaved saxophone solos of his career on this album, without pushing the boundaries. Mays stays mostly in the background, as does Moses, but Swallow’s round bass lines are firmly present.
Overall, this is a very well-played and sung “Jazz & Poetry” album, with excellent contributions by all the participants, but does not break any new ground or demands a particular intellectual effort to enjoy the music for what it is.
| | Updated: 11/10/2024Posted: 11/10/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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