Record Reviews

KENNETH DAHL KNUDSEN ~ TETE NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5707471059272) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the fourth album by Danish bassist / composer / bandleader Kenneth Dahl KnudsenFind albums by this artist, this time recorded with an international quintet which also includes Israeli saxophonist Uri GurvichFind albums by this artist, Polish guitarist Brian MassakaFind albums by this artist, French pianist Gauthier TouxFind albums by this artist and Costa Rican drummer Rodolfo ZunigaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Knudsen. The album consistently continues the compositional path set by Knudsen since his debut, offering excellent European Jazz, which is based on melodic themes but utilizes complex rhythmic and harmonic structures, which manage to stand apart from mainstream Jazz and offer an intriguing and unique approach to music making. Although quite challenging at times, the music has a wonderful natural flow, which lets the listen to develop an immediate empathy with the composer, and offers a joyous ride into uncharted territory. Knudsen obviously reaches a level of maturity and conceptual coherence with this album, which fully justifies the hopes and interest he arose since his appearance on the European scene some years ago. The burgeoning international musical communities developing around the Danish Music Conservatories (Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg) manage to produce some of the most interesting European Jazz musicians / composers in the last decade, and Knudsen (and his quintet to some degree) is definitely a fine example of this phenomenon. The music is exquisitely executed by a formidable team of musicians, who share an obvious "hunger" for challenge and adventure, which this music offers in abundance. They play splendidly as a team of course, which this music relentlessly requires, but at the same time are able to display their individual abilities when featured as soloists. There is plenty of opportunities here to be impressed by each of the quintet members, although, as already stated, teamwork is the main modus operandi here. I had the pleasure to have Knudsen and his quintet on the bill of the Singer Jazz Festival this year (2018) and I was amazed to experience the rapport the quintet was able to develop with the audience, in spite of the challenge this music obviously sets before the listener with its convoluted melodic flow and rhythmic complexity. The audience filling the concert hall seemed to be completely enchanted by the music and exploded with applause when the music was over. One can only hope the studio version of the music present on this album will be able to reach its listeners with the same immediate response. Well, if it doesn’t, please just listen to the album again, and the magic is sure to happen at some point, as it is indisputably incorporated in the music. Wholeheartedly recommended to all true Jazz connoisseurs!

Updated: 26/11/2018Posted: 26/11/2018

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WORLD CITIZEN BAND ~ ANTARES NOT ON LABEL ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the 2nd album by the international Jazz quintet, comprising of Israeli saxophonist Uri GurvichFind albums by this artist, Argentinean guitarist Ramiro OlacireguiFind albums by this artist, Spanish pianist Marcos MerinoFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Kenneth Dahl KnudsenFind albums by this artist and Costa Rican drummer Rodolfo ZunigaFind albums by this artist, all of which are resident around European Jazz centers like Berlin or Copenhagen. The album presents eleven tracks, all original compositions, two each except three by Olaciregui. The music is straightforward mainstream Jazz with strong World Music influences, which is not surprising considering the diverse musical backgrounds of the band members. The compositions are all solid, but not exceptional, and the music is pleasantly melodic, with a “something for everyone” attitude. Of course the musicians are all very gifted and experienced, which is immediately apparent, but the music lacks a unique focus, perhaps due to the “democratic” principle of including compositions by all participants. The solid and always perfect bass lines by my Friend Knudsen hold the music together, which at times is a bit too busy due to the over-dynamic and high in the mix drumming. Overall, this is a pleasant mainstream Jazz album, with World / Latin influences, which offers some excellent performances by these talented musicians, but does not surprise of innovate.

Updated: 05/02/2024Posted: 05/02/2024

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