Record Reviews

AINA FRIDEN ~ UP HIGH LOSEN 176 (Barcode: 7090025831768) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by Norwegian vocalist Aina FridenFind albums by this artist recorded in a quintet setting with Swedish pianist Ulf Johansson WerreFind albums by this artist, who also plays trombone on one track, and the trio led by Norwegian guitarist / composer Frode KjekstadFind albums by this artist, with bassist Roger WilliamsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Hermund NygardFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine songs, six of which are standards and three are originals composed by Kjekstad (two featuring lyrics by Friden). The music is mostly Swing / mainstream Jazz, a bit "retro" stylistically, but in the best possible meaning of the phrase. The arrangements are fresh and sparkling and the execution perfect in every way. The original compositions are every bit as wonderful as the standards. Friden´s interpretations of the songs are a bit limited and she does not venture beyond the typical role of a Swing singer or take any chances, but at the same time she does exactly what is right for this kind of evocative atmosphere. Her tone is pleasant, her pronunciation accurate and her emotional interpretations of the lyrics are just right without unnecessary theatrics. The instrumental parts are stunningly played by the quartet, with one great solo chasing another and rhythm section supporting the music amicably and keeping the time straight as an arrow. Both the piano and guitar parts are wonderful examples of great taste and elegance, with Kjekstad´s unique stylistic approach to the guitar being especially strikingly impressive. Overall this is a wonderful Swing vocal album, which should satisfy all vocal Jazz connoisseurs, breaking a few hearts here and there on the way. I had a great fun listening to this music and fond memories of times long gone swept my mind repeatedly. They don´t make music like this any more (or at least very rarely), so don´t miss this album if you are a romantic at heart. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 05/10/2017Posted: 05/10/2017

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ULF JOHANSSON WERRE ~ TWO HEARTS FOR TUNE 0146 (Barcode: 5906395808618) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is a live recording by a Jazz piano trio comprising of Swedish pianist / trombonist / vocalist Ulf Johansson WerreFind albums by this artist and Polish bassist Zbigniew WrombelFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech LubczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all of which are Jazz adaptations of Swedish and Polish Folk songs, all arranged by Werre. The music is kept strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom, sounding like something that might have been recorded in the 1950s. Striding, swinging piano and amicable accompaniment by the rhythm section create a very pleasant and easy Jazz atmosphere, which seems to be hanging to the glory of the Jazz tradition, but adds nothing contemporary to the proceedings. The concept of arranging Folk songs and using them as a basis for the Jazz environment has been utilized with various degrees of success since many years. Some Polish Jazz albums managed to create sublime projects in this idiom, but this album sadly can´t be counted among them. It trivializes the Folk material rather than upgrading it within the cross-genre transition. The Folk roots and their aesthetics are completely lost here and there is nothing left except for occasional melody quote and a barrage of catchy boogie-woogie phrases. Werre and his Polish cohorts are of course accomplished musicians and technically this music is without reproach of course, as is the excellent sound quality. Overall, although this is hardly my cup of tea, this is still a very enjoyable easy Jazz album, which many listeners can enjoy, especially those who listen to Jazz looking for entertainment while drinking cocktails?

Updated: 17/08/2020Posted: 17/08/2020

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