Record Reviews

KARIN KROG ~ GERSHWIN WITH KARIN KROG MEANTIME 04 (Barcode: 7051070000042) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 - 1989 Released: 1993 This is a reissue / remaster of the sixth album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1973 and 1974 with a fabulous quartet of Norwegian musicians: saxophonist Bjarne NeremFind albums by this artist, pianist Egil KapstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. The original album presented nine tracks, all standards composed by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, and this edition adds three tracks recorded in 1989 in a duet with Kapstad on electric piano. This album is a wonderful document of the early days of Krog’s career, with her idiosyncratic approach and style already well in place. It also documents the Scandinavian Jazz scene in the 1970s, which was developing rapidly, partly due to the fact that many American Jazz musicians settled in Scandinavia at the time, escaping the racist discrimination from which they suffered at home. Krog was always a sublime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and her highly personal treatment of the standards was always absolutely unique, which is clearly evident on this early album. She was also a great lover of Gershwin’s songs and performed those often during her career. Of course the performances by the Norwegian players are also exceptional. Overall, this is a wonderful trip down the memory line, taking the listener fifty years back in time to the steaming Norwegian Jazz scene, which was exploding with talent and left a sublime legacy, which sounds as good today as it did then. For Jazz singers, this is a highly educational exposure of the Artistry of vocal Jazz.

Updated: 03/10/2023Posted: 03/10/2023

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KARIN KROG ~ ONE ON ONE MEANTIME 07 (Barcode: 7051070000073) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 - 1980 Released: 1997 This is a compilation / reissue / remaster album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, with tracks compiled from three duo albums recorded between 1977 and 1980 by Swedish producer Frank HedmanFind albums by this artist, all sadly never reissued on CD. The album presents eighteen tracks, most of which are standards or improvisations of Folklore or Classical Music themes. Tracks 1 to 6 were taken from the album “But Three`s A CrowdFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1977 with American (resident in Sweden) bassist Red MitchellFind albums by this artist. Tracks 7 to 14 were taken from the album “A Song For YouFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1977 with Swedish pianist Bengt HallbergFind albums by this artist. Tracks 15 to 18 were taken from the album “With Malice Towards NoneFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1980 with Swedish organist Nils LindbergFind albums by this artist. The album is a wonderful testimony of Krog’s love of the duo setting, where she seems to feel very comfortable and is the format for many of her albums. The “Art of the Duo” is a perfect description of these tracks. She recorded additional album with these musicians over the years of course. Overall, this is brilliant music, which thanks to this reissue can be heard again, rather than disappear in the past. Krog has very few competitors as a Jazz vocalist, with her idiosyncratic approach and incredible feel, and her superb recorded legacy accumulated over the years is a true treasure chest. This is an absolute must to vocal Jazz enthusiasts.

Updated: 18/08/2023Posted: 18/08/2023

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KARIN KROG / JOHN SURMAN ~ BLUESAND MEANTIME 09 (Barcode: 7051070000097) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 This is wonderful duo album by Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British multi-instrumentalist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist, one of many albums they recorded together since their first meeting on stage in 1978, mostly released on the ECMFind albums on this label label and MeantimeFind albums on this label Records, like this one, which is owned by Krog. The album presents twelve original compositions, co-credited to them both with lyrics by Krog. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz, Blues, Electronics, Nordic moods and above else elegance and good taste, which results in a unique listening experience. Krog sings lyrics and uses electronic devices and loops and Surman as usual switches between soprano and baritone saxes, clarinets, piano and synthesizers, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and feelings. Each and every one of the compositions is a gem, combining Krog’s vocals with layers of instrumental improvisations by Surman, and although completely coherent as a whole the compositions present a diversity of musical capsules, each and every one as if originating in a different universe. Overall this is a masterly conceived and executed piece of music in the “Art of the Duo” idiom, which exemplifies the power of minimalism. In his work with Krog, Surman always displays a different personality than on his solo or ensemble works as a leader, showing the gentler, almost romantic facet of his musical charisma. For British Jazz enthusiasts, this album offers some of Surman’s best work, Norwegian Jazz fans need no introductions and the album is simply a sweet reminder of how superb music can become in hands if intelligent and highly talented musicians. Not to be missed and every bit as great as it was at the time of its release.

Updated: 29/08/2021Posted: 13/04/2021

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KARIN KROG / DEXTER GORDON ~ SOME OTHER SPRING MEANTIME 10 (Barcode: 7051070000103) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2000 This is a reissue / remaster of the fourth album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1970 with a fabulous quartet: American saxophonist Dexter GordonFind albums by this artist and pianist Kenny DrewFind albums by this artist (both resident in Scandinavia at the time), Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Espen RudFind albums by this artist. The original album presented eight tracks, all standards, and this edition adds one outtake and three alternate takes as a bonus tracks. The music was recorded by the legendary Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist at his Rainbow Studio. This album is a wonderful document of the early days of Krog’s career, with her idiosyncratic approach and style already well in place. It also documents the Scandinavian Jazz scene in the late-1960s, which was developing rapidly, partly due to the fact that many American Jazz musicians settled in Scandinavia at the time, escaping the racist discrimination from which they suffered at home. Krog was always a sublime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and her highly personal treatment of the standards was always absolutely unique, which is clearly evident on this early album. Of course the performances by the young Scandinavian players are also exceptional. Overall, this is a wonderful trip down the memory line, taking the listener over fifty years back in time to the steaming Scandinavian Jazz scene, which was exploding with talent and left a sublime legacy, which sounds as good today as it did then. For Jazz singers, this is a highly educational exposure of the Artistry of vocal Jazz.

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 17/09/2023

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KARIN KROG / JOHN SURMAN ~ CLOUD LINE BLUE MEANTIME 11 (Barcode: 7051070000110) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2004 This is a reissue of the debut album by the fabulous duo of Norwegian vocalist / composer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded in London in 1976, with the participation of keyboardist Janet CookeFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu MartinFind albums by this artist. Surman composed or co-composed all the music with Krog and Martin and played a plethora of analog synthesizers in addition to playing saxophones. The album presents seven tracks, all featuring lyrics by Paul RowlandsFind albums by this artist. The music waited for another three years to be mixed, eventually done by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist in Oslo and released in 1979. The album was also released in Poland on the PoljazzFind albums on this label label. The music is absolutely stunning, completely unique and revolutionary, so much so, that listening to it today, forty-five years after it was recorded, I experienced goosebumps. Krog’s idiosyncratic vocals and vocalese and Surman’s improvisations, are completely inimitable. The most astounding quality of the music is its deeply melodic feel despite the Avant-Garde exterior, which in retrospect characterizes both Krog and Surman for the entire duration of their respective careers. I vividly remember hearing this music live at the time, as well as haring the duo several times over time, always being completely taken over by the magic they managed to create together. Some musicians are obviously destined to play together, creating a result far greater than just the sum of its parts. This album, and the further recordings by this duo, are all gems and deserve to be heard, especially since they are all absolutely timeless. It is great that Karen manages to reissue all her recordings on her MeantimeFind albums on this label label, keeping them alive, as they would have disappeared into the depth of the abyss of forgotten music, if it was up to the Major labels. This album remains to be a giant step in European Jazz and deserves an honorable place in every serious record collection!

Updated: 07/06/2021Posted: 07/06/2021

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KARIN KROG ~ JAZZ MOMENTS MEANTIME 12 (Barcode: 7051070000127) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 Released: 2006 This is a reissue / remaster of the second album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1966 with a fabulous trio: American pianist Kenny DrewFind albums by this artist (resident in Denmark at the time), Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. Norwegian saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The original album presented nine tracks, all standards, and this edition adds one alternate take as a bonus track. This album is a wonderful document of the early days of Krog’s career, with her idiosyncratic approach and style already well in place. It also documents the Scandinavian Jazz scene in the mid-1960s, which was developing rapidly, partly due to the fact that many American Jazz musicians settled in Scandinavia at the time, escaping the racist discrimination from which they suffered at home. Krog was always a sublime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and her highly personal treatment of the standards was always absolutely unique, which is clearly evident on this early album. Of course the performances by the young Scandinavian players are also exceptional. Overall, this is a wonderful trip down the memory line, taking the listener almost sixty years back in time to the steaming Scandinavian Jazz scene, which was exploding with talent and left a sublime legacy, which sounds as good today as it did then. For Jazz singers, this is a highly educational exposure of the Artistry of vocal Jazz.

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 16/08/2023

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KARIN KROG ~ OSLO CALLING MEANTIME 14 (Barcode: 7051070000141) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is an album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Norwegian trio comprising of pianist Vigleik StoraasFind albums by this artist, bassist Bjorn AlterhaugFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom OlstadFind albums by this artist, collectively known as The Meantimes. Several guest appear on selected tracks, including British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist and the legendary sound engineer Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, who was also an accomplished guitarist. The album presents twelve tracks, two of which are original songs by Krog, two others are songs co-written by Storaas and Krog and the rest are standards. The album is a wonderful testimony of Krog’s love of the vocal Jazz idiom, which always reflects her incredible talent and her superb interaction with other musicians. Her treatment of Jazz standards is absolutely unique and instantly recognizable, and she has been one of my favorite Jazz vocalists since as long as I can remember. Overall, this is brilliant music, which deserves to be heard. Krog has very few competitors as a Jazz vocalist, with her idiosyncratic approach and incredible feel, and her superb recorded legacy accumulated over the years is a true treasure chest. This is an absolute must to vocal Jazz enthusiasts.

Updated: 19/08/2023Posted: 19/08/2023

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KARIN KROG ~ JOY MEANTIME 15 (Barcode: 7051070000158) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2008 This is a reissue of the third album by legendary Norwegian vocalist / composer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist recorded with young Norwegian musicians, who would soon become some of Europe’s Jazz icons: saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, pianist Terje BjorklundFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, drummer Svein ChristiansenFind albums by this artist and percussionist Espen RudFind albums by this artist. This lineup recorded four of the tracks on this album, and the remaining track is a live recording with Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist, who joins Andersen to form a bass duo. The original album was expanded for this reissue by two live tracks recorded with a different lineup, which includes American (resident in Scandinavia at the time) trumpeter Ted CursonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. The album was beautifully remastered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist at the Rainbow Studio in Oslo. In the liner notes written for the original album by American composer / bandleader George RussellFind albums by this artist, who was one of the very few musicians at the time beyond the pond to discover the European Jazz revolution, he recognizes Krog as one of the most innovative Jazz vocalists, of the class of Sheila Jordan and Jeanne Lee, and this album clearly shows why. Her approach to singing in particular and Jazz in general was already at that time completely innovative, using vocalese, electronics and unconventional timbre. Although the music is still partly rooted in traditional American Jazz, these young Norwegians show no inferiority complex whatsoever, already clearly seeing the path ahead. The almost completely freely improvised track is already deeply ahead of the tradition of course. Krog’s vocal performances and her idiosyncratic voice are delightful from start to finish and the superb instrumental performances by all the musicians involved sound absolutely fresh despite the fact that this music was recorded over five decades ago. It is great to see Karin reissuing her recorded legacy on her own MeantimeFind albums on this label label, as this music obviously deserves to be remembered and even today can teach the new generations of Jazz musicians, how important it is to step forward boldly. Since today is Karen’s Birthday, I wish her many more years of music!

Updated: 15/05/2021Posted: 15/05/2021

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KARIN KROG ~ FOLKWAYS MEANTIME 16 (Barcode: 7051070000165) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1996 - 2009 Released: 2010 This is a stunning album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, accompanied by British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Swedish violinist Mads BerglundFind albums by this artist and Norwegian oboist Brynjar HoffFind albums by this artist. The album presents nineteen tracks, most of which are Norwegian folk songs arranged by Krog, except for one original composition by Surman, which appears twice. The music was recorded at two separate sessions, thirteen years apart, by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, most probably at the Rainbow Studio in Oslo, although the information on the artwork is exceptionally skimpy. The music on this album is completely different from all the other recordings by Krog, which are mostly Jazz oriented and on which she sings in English. Here she deals mostly with Norwegian Folk songs and sings in Norwegian. Of course the arrangements do have a strong Jazz tinge, and Surman’s playing is all one way or another connected to improvisation. Since most of the tracks are Krog / Surman duets, this album might have been one more duo album by them, but the tracks with the two other guests sets it apart. One might speculate that one of the session was that with Surman, and the other session was with Berglund and Hoff? I must ask Karin about this ;) But mystery apart, musically the album is absolutely stunning and has been one of my favorite recordings by Krog (and Surman) since the day I heard it first. The music is unpretentious, intimate and reflects the perfect balance and telepathic communication between the musicians. It is a perfect example of Jazz-World Fusion amalgamation, which could be a school example of how such things are done at their best. Overall, this is an absolute brilliant album from start to finish, deeply moving and superbly musical. The amalgam of Folk music and Jazz is presented here at its absolute best and the result is simply irresistible. An absolute must!

Updated: 13/05/2022Posted: 13/05/2022

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KARIN KROG / MORTEN GUNNAR LARSEN ~ IN A RAG BAG MEANTIME 19 (Barcode: 7041880101923) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is a lovely album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and pianist Morten Gunnar LarsenFind albums by this artist, recorded live in Oslo. The album presents fourteen tracks, which are a tribute to Ragtime Jazz, five of which are compositions by Fats WallerFind albums by this artist, one is by Scott JoplinFind albums by this artist, one is an original by Larsen and the rest are by various other composers. Larsen is a renowned stride piano specialist with numerous recordings to his credit, and his playing is absolutely delightful. Krog is a universal Jazz vocalist and seems to feel perfectly at hope with early Jazz, as much as she does in Avant-Garde. Together they are just perfect, performing the music with panache and obvious feeling, which results in a delicious serving of nostalgic Jazz history, going back a Century of so. Of course Ragtime lost nothing of its joy and elegance and it is a pity it is so rarely performed these days. This album certainly proves that the loss is all ours. Overall, this is a true gem of an album, which Jazz lovers should have a field day with, if they truly love Jazz as much as they think. Brilliant piano technique and idiosyncratic vocals by one of the greatest European Jazz vocalists should be enough for everybody. What a joy!

Updated: 06/05/2022Posted: 06/05/2022

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KARIN KROG / JOHN SURMAN ~ SONGS ABOUT THIS AND THAT MEANTIME 20 (Barcode: 7041880102029) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the third album (well third under the duo moniker but they recorded together many times over the years) by the fabulous duo of Norwegian vocalist / composer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist. This time they are accompanied by Norwegian musicians: guitarist Bjorn KlakeggFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Ivar KolveFind albums by this artist, bassist Terje GeweltFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom OlstadFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all co-composed by Krog and Surman. The music was recorded by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist at the Rainbow Studio in Oslo with the usual stunning sound quality. The music is wonderful, as always, but this time completely mainstream oriented. Krog sings the lyrics of the songs in a pretty straightforward manner, and Surman, who plays mostly baritone sax and bass clarinet, soloes beautifully, but conventionally, as do all the members of the band. For Krog and Surman followers this might come as a surprise, as their work together was mostly characterized by exploring the boundaries of the Jazz idiom. Having said that, this is still a most refined and wonderful musical experience, which offers a superb listening experience. All the instrumental performances are highly inspired and perfectly executed, and Krog’s idiosyncratic voice lost nothing of its beauty and charm over time, and she has few contenders as far as dramatic delivery is concerned. Overall the album is a beautiful gift of music, which is always welcome from these two great Artists. Back to the roots can be truly exciting, as this album convincingly proves!

Updated: 14/06/2021Posted: 14/06/2021

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KARIN KROG / STEVE KUHN ~ BREAK OF DAY MEANTIME 22 (Barcode: 7041880102227) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is a duo album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and American pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist recorded in the US. American saxophonist Eric AlexanderFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist guest, each on three different tracks. The album presents fourteen tracks, all of which are Jazz standards. Three of the tracks feature lyrics written by Krog. The music is a wonderful document of the rapport between Krog and Kuhn, which of course is present also on the other albums by the duo. The presence of the guests adds spark and glamour to the proceedings, but the duo offers everything needed to produce splendid Jazz just on their own of course. Krog’s vocals are always highly intelligent and unique and Kuhn is a true virtuoso, who is able to get the most out of the piano, even if he uses a limited number of notes. Together they manage to enchant with their intimacy and heartfelt delivery. Overall, this is a true gem of an album, which Jazz lovers should have a field day with. Brilliant piano technique and idiosyncratic vocals by one of the greatest European Jazz vocalists should be enough for everybody. Another great addition to the duo’s recorded legacy!

Updated: 11/05/2022Posted: 11/05/2022

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KARIN KROG / JOHN SURMAN ~ INFINITE PATHS MEANTIME 23 (Barcode: 7041880102326) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the fourth album by the iconic Jazz duo comprising of Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist. John’s son Ben SurmanFind albums by this artist added some electronic effects and aural layers and made the live recording of a concert in Oslo, which was later mastered by the legendary sound engineer Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all original composition / improvisations by the duo. The music is absolutely stunning, moving between songs and improvisations and keeping a perfectly coherent musical atmosphere. The mixture of the Nordic climate and Surman’s highly ambient vistas, Krog’s idiosyncratic vocals and the electronically synthesized sounds works out perfectly, resulting in a wonderful flow of emotions, that is captivating and enchanting. Although highly improvised, the music maintains a highly melodic basis, which allows the listener to focus on the details without losing the thread and direction. In many respects this album revisits the early days of the Krog / Surman duo, which started some four decades earlier. Krog is definitely at her utmost best when improvising freely, which she does most of the time on this album. Overall, this is a brilliant example of the “Art of the Duo” idiom and one of the best albums in Krog’s long and impressive recorded legacy. Same goes for Surman of course, and his many fans will find him at his absolute top herein. European Jazz lovers should find this album absolutely essential piece of the puzzle!

Updated: 01/09/2021Posted: 01/09/2021

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