Record Reviews

ESBEN BRANDT ~ CONSTANTS GATEWAY 02 (Barcode: 5707471035689) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the young Danish Jazz guitarist / composer Esben BrandtFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Polish (resident in Denmark) trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Anders ChristensenFind albums by this artist and drummer RJ MillerFind albums by this artist. The album features eight original compositions, all by Brandt. The music is very open-minded mixture of European lyricism and Scandinavian melancholy, with a set of slowly developing melodic themes, which are vehicles for the quartet members to stretch out and improvise quite freely. Obviously Brandt and Dabrowski are featured as the main soloist, often playing side by side soloing simultaneously or accompany each other while one of them takes the lead. They are very compatible as musical partners and there is an obvious interaction happening between them at all times, which is one of the many highlights of this album. The rhythm section serves as a perfect vehicle for the quartet, keeping the music together and moving it forward, especially during the unhurried passages, yet staying respectfully in the background. Although Brandt is wonderful player, it is Dabrowski who performs most of the magical parts on this album, which is hardly surprising considering his record during the last few years. His unique tone and characteristic phrasing are by now shaping as his personal, easily recognizable trademark, which for a musician of his age is truly remarkable. But the album is a wonderful group effort and the teamwork present is my all means remarkable. Overall this is a superb example of modern European Jazz, which combines tradition with freedom and sophistication, pushing the boundaries of what we recognize as Jazz music both in composition and performance. As usual the young age of the people involved is symbolic of the fact that the music´s future is passed from generation to generation, regardless of the cruel reality and the world´s indifference. A truly commendable job, worth of praise and admiration!

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JAKOB BRO / JOE LOVANO ~ ONCE AROUND THE ROOM: A TRIBUTE TO PAUL MOTIAN ECM 2747 (Barcode: 602445994908) ~ DENMARK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Danish guitarist Jakob BroFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist Joe LovanoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a highly unusual septet setting with three bassists: American Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and Thomas MorganFind albums by this artist and Danish Anders ChristensenFind albums by this artist, and two drummers: American Joey BaronFind albums by this artist and Spanish Jorge RossyFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, two each by Bro and Lovano, one by American drummer / composer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, to whom the album is dedicated, and finally one co-credited to all seven participating musicians. The music is completely free spirited, mostly improvised with very little melodic continuity. It is mostly about atmosphere and despite the fact that it is performed by obviously highly talented musicians, sounds to me quite estranged and cold. It sadly represents the many ECMFind albums on this label albums, that despite the high potential completely fail to deliver anything worth mentioning. Overall, for me this album says very little, and is one of those records that I continued to listen to until it was finished only from the respect I feel towards the musicians, never to return to it again.

Updated: 14/01/2025Posted: 14/01/2025

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TOMASZ STANKO ~ DARK EYES ECM 2115 (Barcode: 602527112664) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the great Lions of European Jazz, now in his fifth decade of the tireless journey dedicated to discovering uncharted territory. Following the last three brilliant recordings with his all-Polish quartet in the early to mid 2000s and then three years of silence, Stanko returns with this recording of a completely new group comprising of young Scandinavian musicians: Finnish pianist Alexi TuomarilaFind albums by this artist, Danish guitarist Jakob BroFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Anders ChristensenFind albums by this artist and Finnish drummer Olavi LouhivuoriFind albums by this artist. Obviously rejuvenated by the presence of these young and talented players, Stanko presents his new energetic music as well as paying tribute to his Mentor Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist by including two of his compositions into the set. There is no need to say much more here, as Stanko is already well beyond criticism with his magic touch and incredible talent. He shows no signs of age and anything produced by him is pure gold. Although the album does not break any new ground musically, one can hardly hold this against Stanko, who just keeps perfecting what he does best, and as a result allows us to drink from his seemingly perpetually full cup. Brilliant stuff!

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