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  | MICHAEL AADAL ~ POMONA
LOSEN 158 (Barcode: 7090025831584) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is the third album by Norwegian guitarist / composer Michael AadalFind albums by this artist and his second release on the splendid Norwegian LosenFind albums on this label Records label. The album was recorded by a group consisting of six players, which also includes guitarist Anders Hofstad SorasFind albums by this artist (pedal steel guitar), saxophonist Andre KassenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ole-Bjorn TalstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Audun RamoFind albums by this artist and drummer Gunnar SaeterFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Aadal.
The music is a unique amalgam of typical Scandinavian melancholy and Americana roots, i.e. Blues and Country influences, which of course means that the result is only marginally Jazz oriented. Nevertheless these are plenty of excellent solos by the group members, which keep the listener interested. Overall this music avoids specific genre definitions, which is part of its charm and accessibility, as it might be equally interesting to Jazz-Rock, Rock, Country and Pop listeners.
The only problem with this album is its lack of compositional versatility, which causes all the tunes to sound a bit similar, especially as they are all low key, lyrical ballads. Of course this is a minor point, as the melodic content is really very likeable.
Aadal´s guitar playing is the main focus of this album of course, although he allocates plenty of space for all the other members of the group to come forward into the limelight. The guitar sound is very round and soothing, which suits the atmosphere of the album perfectly. The steel guitar, saxophone and keyboards create layers of melodic support behind the leader and solo occasionally, not challenging the listener´s patience excessively. The rhythm section pushes the music gently ahead, with occasional outbursts of energy.
Overall this is a pleasant instrumental album, which listeners from various musical backgrounds may enjoy equally, full of great melodies and a relaxed atmosphere, which is sometimes exactly what one needs in our hectic world.
| | Updated: 20/09/2016Posted: 20/09/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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