Record Reviews

MATHISEN / BREISTEIN ~ GADGETS AMP 024 (Barcode: 662578831174) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by duo comprising of guitarist / composer Svein Rikard MathisenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / composer Inge Weatherhead BreisteinFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in a quartet setting with Swedish bassist Johannes VahtFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Raymond Storaunet LavikFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven original pieces, all co-composed by the duo members. The music is melody based modern European Jazz with a strong Nordic flavor, but somewhat more energetic than most Nordic recordings. The tight guitar / saxophone (often unisono) sound is quite characteristic and dominates the proceedings. Both leaders solo extensively following the introductory passages, supported amicably by the rhythm section, which is highly professional but remains in the background most of the time. All the compositions are kept at the same emotional level and similar tempo, which half the way through the album creates a déjà vu impression, which is difficult to shake down. Although the music is fine, it simply fails to take the listener by storm. Nevertheless the album is well played and deserves to be listened to, even if it appears somewhat monotonic. Overall this is an interesting debut effort, which shows a lot of potential, which will probably blossom in the duo´s future projects. It is a fine reflection of the diversity of the contemporary Norwegian Jazz. Guitar fans will find here many licks, which are a delight to listen to.

Updated: 04/10/2018Posted: 04/10/2018

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NINJABEAT ~ THE WAITING GAME AMP 007 (Barcode: 662578831006) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz-Rock ensemble NinjabeatFind albums by this artist, a nonet comprising of saxophonist Magnus BakkenFind albums by this artist, bassist Bo BergFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Pal Gunnar FiksdalFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Kristian WentzelFind albums by this artist and Knut LochsenFind albums by this artist, guitarists Ture JansonFind albums by this artist and Svein Rikard MathisenFind albums by this artist, drummer Ole Morten SommerFind albums by this artist and percussionist Bjorn Einar HanstveitFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, six of which were composed by Bakken and two were co-composed by Bakken and Berg. The music is an excellent example of Brass-Rock, somewhat retro sounding with clear indicators of the great late 1960s Brass-Rock groups like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist and others, but brought up to date with a more electronic sound. The compositions are all excellent and amalgamate elements of Funk, Groove and Soul in addition to the Fusion of Jazz and Rock. Although very accessible, the music is quite complex at times and non trivial at any point. The execution is also excellent, with many exciting solo parts by the participants and a great balance between the ensemble members, with can be very tricky with such large ensembles. The albums is very coherent and a great fun to listen to, from start to finish. Overall this is an excellent debut effort, especially so in view of the fact that music of this specific idiom is almost completely gone from the contemporary scene, which of course is a great pity. This album is wholeheartedly recommended to all Brass-Rock fans, who should love this stuff to pieces!

Updated: 07/10/2017Posted: 07/10/2017

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