Record Reviews

JAN ERIK KONGSHAUG ~ ALL THESE YEARS HOT CLUB 2027 (Barcode: 7029660003278) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is the second album by Norwegian Jazz guitarist / composer Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Svein Olav HerstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten pieces, nine of which are original compositions by Kongshaug and one is by Herstad. This album was recorded five years after the recording of Kongshaug´s debut, exactly with the same lineup. The most important difference if the fact that is presents almost entirely original compositions by Kongshaug. Jan Erik Kongshaug is primarily known as the legendary sound engineer and owner of the Rainbow Studio in Oslo. He gave me this album himself when I visited him in his studio and even autographed it, as you can see on the scan of the album´s cover. The music was of course recorded in Rainbow Studio and engineered by Kongshaug, with spectacular sonic result. The music is notably less mainstream Jazz oriented than the music on the debut album, with the melodic and harmonic aesthetics closer to the contemporary European Jazz, especially its Nordic sub-genre. The tunes are mostly relaxed and progress relatively leisurely, like waves caressing a sandy beach. Living among the magnificent Norwegian fjords must influence the country´s inhabitants, which is then reflected in their music. Kongshaug uses both chords and single notes, producing a coherent and refined sound, which engulfs the listener like a warm blanket. The three younger musicians earned a lot of respect on the local and international scene since the recording of the debut album with Kongshaug, and they amicably accompany the leader, soloing relatively rarely. This wonderful modesty and respect does not hide their great talents of course, which is obvious to anyone listening to this album. Sadly Kongshaug´s extremely busy schedule allowed so far for just two albums and hopefully we will hear more of his music again one day!

Updated: 04/11/2016Posted: 04/11/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JAN ERIK KONGSHAUG ~ THE OTHER WORLD ACT 9267 (Barcode: 614427926722) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz guitarist / composer Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with three young (at the time of the recording) and upcoming musicians: pianist Svein Olav HerstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten pieces, six of which are original compositions by Kongshaug and four are standards. If anybody is wondering if this is the same Jan Erik Kongshaug who is the legendary sound engineer and owner of the Rainbow Studio in Oslo, the answer is yes it is. Jan Erik Kongshaug gave me this album himself when I visited him in his studio and even autographed it, as you can see on the scan of the album´s cover. The album´s title might hint to the guitar playing as being the other world of his illustrious career in sound engineering. The music is beautiful mainstream Jazz, based on superb melodic themes and executed perfectly by the participants and of course fabulously recorded as well. The three young lions, which played and recorded together as a piano trio before this recording, are perfectly synced and balanced together, and play classic Jazz patterns as if they have been doing it for decades. Kongshaug´s guitar will probably surprise many listeners, as it is as professional and inspired as they come, somewhat reminiscent of Barney KesselFind albums by this artist. The most important characteristic of this recording is the elegance and the atmosphere of comradeship between the musicians. This is music made with love and respect, shunning ego and competition, while and simply having fun while doing it. Lovers of classic Jazz guitar playing should have a lot of fun with this album, especially since it avoids all form of flashy guitar pyrotechnics and simply does what is right at every moment, supported by a dream-team rhythm section. Kongshaug´s extremely busy schedule allowed so far for only one more recording session with the same lineup five years later, a review of which will follow shortly.

Updated: 01/11/2016Posted: 01/11/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend