Record Reviews

KETIL BJORNSTAD ~ GRACE EMARCY 044001362224 (Barcode: 044001362224) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 This is a beautiful Jazz & Poetry album by Norwegian pianist / composer Ketil BjornstadFind albums by this artist, recorded with a splendid team, which includes vocalist Anneli DreckerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / vocalist Bendik HofsethFind albums by this artist, guitarist Eivind AarsetFind albums by this artist, electronics manipulator Jan BangFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and Indian percussionist Trilok GurtuFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, all composed by Bjornstad, with lyrics based on writings by the English poet / writer John DonneFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live with overdubs added at the Rainbow Studio and edited / mixed by the great Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The music is all beautifully melancholic and delicate, with echoes of late English Renaissance and typical Nordic accents. Although not a strictly Jazz album as such, it has many Jazz influences, not surprisingly in view of the lineup. The music develops gently and requires patience and attention, but is highly rewarding and accessible to a wide range of artistically inclined audiences. Overall, this is a beautiful Jazz & Poetry project as well as a nice example of the Norwegian Jazz scene, which has so many surprising sides, all worth being discovered. It is a quartet of a Century old, but lost none of its beauty and charm over time!

Updated: 16/02/2025Posted: 16/02/2025

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