Record Reviews

JOE DAVIDOW ~ DIFFERENT MOMENTS – THE MUSIC OF JOE DAVIDOW SVART 068 (Barcode: 6430050668396) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1994 Released: 2016 This is an archival album presenting music composed by American (resident in Finland since 1978) pianist / composer / director Joe DavidowFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1978 and 1994 with different ensembles, which featured top Finnish Jazz musicians at the time, like saxophonist Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Hasse WalliFind albums by this artist, bassists Ilkka HanskiFind albums by this artist and Make LievonenFind albums by this artist, drummers Tom NekludowFind albums by this artist and Reino LaineFind albums by this artist and others. The music was recorded at the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company) studio, except for one track which was recorded at the LoveFind albums on this label Records studio. The album presents ten original compositions, all composed and arranged by Davidow. The music offers a wide stylistic variety between melodic mainstream Jazz and Avant-Garde Free Form, all bearing Davidow´s personal signature, which combines American Jazz tradition with modern European approach in a highly individual way. It often moves beyond the Jazz idiom into more cinematic vistas, which is hardly surprising considering Davidow´s role as director and composer of cinematic music. The lasting cooperation between Davidow and Paakkunainen, who appears on all the tracks, discloses an obvious aesthetical proximity between the two. As the primary soloists the two exchange heated dialogues and lyrical laments, always on the same emotional wavelength. Davidow´s piano playing, which is quite idiosyncratic, adds a unique color to the proceedings, as he is hardly an average Jazz player, often playing completely "against the rules", and always keeping faithful to his personal style. The various rhythm sections consistently do a great job accompanying the saxophone / piano duo, regardless of the stylistic environment utilized on each of the tracks. Those are after all seasoned veterans, able to play anything and always finding the required mindset. Considering the fact that this is the first time this music appears on record, this is a true gem and source of enjoyment, not to mention its historical significance. This album is therefore an absolutely essential piece of Finnish Jazz history and deserves to be heard!

Updated: 31/07/2020Posted: 31/07/2020

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