Record Reviews

DALIA FAITELSON ~ POWERED BY LIFE LOSEN 199 (Barcode: 7090025831997) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the eleventh album as a leader by Israeli (resident in Denmark) vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Dalia FaitelsonFind albums by this artist, since her debut released in 1994. On this album she is supported by the veteran Danish pianist Thomas ClausenFind albums by this artist, cellist Soma AllpassFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders ProvisFind albums by this artist. Bassist Fredrik DamsgaardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ayi SolomonFind albums by this artist (born in Ghana) guest on selected tracks. The album presents eight original songs composed by and with lyrics written by Faitelson The music is a cross-genre amalgam of influences, including Pop, cabaret, World Music, Classical and marginally Jazz, with highly melodic contents very skillfully arranged for the rather unusual instrumentation present here. The cello, which is dominant on this album, creates a serene, almost chamber atmosphere on most of the tracks. The overall melancholic and somewhat somber feel is predominant. The compositions are all well put together and coherent, providing an excellent platform for the musicians to express their ideas. Faitelson has a limited vocal range, which forces her to use a very specific, almost half spoken word articulation, instead of singing in the classic meaning of the term, similar to chanson and cabaret singers rather than Pop of Jazz vocalists. Her singing in English is not very helpful either. But all things considered, her theatrical vocal expression is effective and very musical. In addition she also plays some great guitar licks, which sadly are not as dominant on this album as one would wish for. The performances by the members of the band are all brilliant, with heart melting cello parts by Allpass and superb piano parts by Clausen, who is the Jazz anchor or this album. All the musicians involved seem to have a great time playing here, which is evident by the final result. Overall this is an excellent album by a mature Artist, who knows exactly what she wants and where she is going. Her songs are beautifully woven and she delivers them in a very effective theatrical way, using top musicians at her side to complete the experience. Definitely recommended, especially for people outside of Denmark, who might not be familiar with her music. Toda raba!

Updated: 06/04/2018Posted: 06/04/2018

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ SYMBIOSIS: TRIBUTE TO BILL EVANS PENTATONE 8717306265102 (Barcode: 8717306265102) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2026 This is a fabulous album, which presents a loving tribute to the greatest American Jazz pianist / composer Bill EvansFind albums by this artist. It includes three pieces, all of which are connected to Evans and his music: “Bill Evans Suite”, a six-part suite by Danish Jazz trumpeter / composer Palle MikkelborgFind albums by this artist composed in 1969, which is based on famous Evans’ compositions orchestrated for a piano trio and a symphonic orchestra, “For Pi”, a short piece for piano trio by Danish pianist / composer Thomas ClausenFind albums by this artist composed in 2023 and finally “Symbiosis”, a two-movement concerto by German composer / arranger / conductor Claus OgermanFind albums by this artist, composed in 1974 and originally recorded by Evans and released on the iconic MPSFind albums on this label label the same year. The original score of “SymbiosisFind albums with this title” was not preserved and it was reconstructed especially for this recording. The music is performed by the Thomas Clausen trio, with bassist Thomas FonnesbaeckFind albums by this artist and drummer Karsten BaggeFind albums by this artist and the Singapore Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Jean ThorelFind albums by this artist. Danish trumpeter Anders MaltaFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks and Russian flautist Evgueni BrokmillerFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The entire project is a wonderful example of dedication and respect towards the Genius of Evans and offers a splendid opportunity to revisit his work connected with the Jazz-Classical Fusion, which included also two earlier albums featuring a cooperation between Evans and Ogerman, which preceded the recording of “Symbiosis”. The two additional pieces included here fit the bill perfectly, with Mikkelborg’s lovely re-imaginations of Evans’ brilliantly melodic / romantic compositions and Calusen’s Jazz ballad, which gets here the full orchestral treatment. The result is an eighty minutes long delightful treat, which should be able to melt the hearts of many Evans’ connoisseurs and music lovers enjoying the cross-genre Artistry. Overall, this is an absolute must have album for Bill Evans admirers, which expands the strict Jazz horizons of his activities. The amount of work and complexity involved with projects of this nature speaks volumes about the people behind the scenes, who made it all happen. As usual, thanks to the PentatoneFind albums on this label label, for releasing this music, as part of their excellent catalogue of unusual and highly interesting and less commercial material, which offers many gems like this one. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 21/12/2025Posted: 21/12/2025

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