Record Reviews
18 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARILD ANDERSEN ~ AFFIRMATION
ECM 2763 (Barcode: 602448285935) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is an album by Norwegian bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, recorded with an all Norwegian quartet, which also includes saxophonist Marius NesetFind albums by this artist, pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist and drummer Hakon Mjaset JohansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are combined into a two-part suite, co-composed by all members of the quartet, and the last piece was composed by Andersen.
The music is very minimalist and although offers melodic themes, seems to be largely improvised. The performances are delicate, restrained, subdued and offer a highly contemplative atmosphere, very much in the Nordic Jazz tradition, but with a substantial element of Freedom. The performances are, as expected, stellar, as on all albums involving Andersen, despite the fact that the musicians are separated by a generation gap. But the younger representatives of the Norwegian Jazz scene herein are all seasoned Jazz musicians and offer world-class quality.
Andersen is not only my favorite all-time Jazz bass player, but also one of the finest Masters of his trade, and his extensive recorded legacy, not only on the ECMFind albums on this label label, is a wonderful example of the European Jazz aesthetics and superb class and exquisite taste.
Overall, this is another example of Andersen’s ingenuity as a leader / composer and a highly rewarding piece of music, although perhaps a tad more demanding than his usual output, which requires more patience / attention / piece of mind in order to enjoy the music fully. Time has been very kind to him and he is still producing superb music today and hopefully will do so for a long while.
| | Updated: 21/12/2024Posted: 21/12/2024 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARILD ANDERSEN ~ CELEBRATION
ECM 2259 (Barcode: 602527909479) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2012
Norwegian bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist has been one of my favorite musicians since decades and his immense talent and class were always beacons of light in the dark. His elegance and natural cool emphasize the best qualities of Scandinavian Jazz in particular and European Jazz in general. His numerous recording, mostly for ECMFind albums on this label, are all exemplary and his unshaken quality over the years is simply legendary.
This album finds Andersen in quite unusual circumstances, cooperating with a large Jazz Orchestra, in this case the Scottish National Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist directed by saxophonist Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist. He and the orchestra perform five compositions by fellow ECM musicians: Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and Trygve SeimFind albums by this artist (Garbarek and Seim being also fellow Norwegians) and one of his compositions, celebrating the music of ECM, which is considered by many to be the most important contribution to contemporary musical Culture in the last four decades.
The six compositions have been arranged for the large orchestra, with the arrangements being very delicate and spacey, opening up slots for beautiful bass solos performed by Anderson and other musicians. The overall atmosphere of the music is very lyrical and somewhat subdued, applying the famous Scandinavian touch to the entire project, even in the case when the original music originates well beyond that sphere of influence. Andersen stands in the focal point performing some absolutely amazing bass solos, which could drive most bass players to complete despair. As stated before, the orchestra takes a step back, playing subtly and beautifully, but always remaining in the background, where it belongs in this particular project. This modesty and proper perspective deserve a great praise.
The music was recorded live and as usual for an ECM production offers a wonderful sonic quality in addition to the obvious musical virtues. Those familiar with Andersen´s achievements will love this music and those still ignorant of them should use this opportunity to repent. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARILD ANDERSEN ~ IN-HOUSE SCIENCE
ECM 2594 (Barcode: 602567168973) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018
This is the third album by the trio led by Norwegian Jazz bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, with British saxophonist Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist and Italian (resident in Norway) drummer Paolo VinacciaFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live during a performance in Austria and presents six tracks, all original compositions by Andersen. The music was mixed and mastered by my Friend Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist and offers the expected spectacular sound quality.
Andersen has been my favorite Jazz bass players since as long as I can remember, and he impersonates the European Jazz essence more profoundly than most. His impeccable technique, creative virtuosity and sublime compositions are always a source of great joy and inspiration.
This trio showcases Andersen’s bass more prominently than most of his other ensembles, and the long lasting camaraderie with his partners herein is immediately apparent. The trio performs as one organic body, always perfectly in sync and unified in their goal to interpret the music with deep feeling and personal involvement, but observing the communal spirit.
Despite the fact that the music is quite intricate, both harmonically and rhythmically, the trio cuts through the tricky material like a knife through butter, elegantly and always exactly on the dot, with a Swiss-watch precision. All three members of the trio get plenty of opportunity to show their chops, but as already stated, the bass remains the dominant focus of the music, defining both the melodic and the rhythmic framework of the music.
Overall, this is a stunning piece of European Jazz, serving as a showcase of Andersen’s bass virtuosity, but at the same time displaying the depth and complexity of his compositions, as well as presenting an incredible ensemble work by the trio. As anything recorded by Andersen, this is pure gold from start to finish, with no dull moments for the entire duration and a triumph of European Jazz ingenuity, which takes the music into s completely different aesthetic plane.
| | Updated: 11/01/2024Posted: 11/01/2024 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARILD ANDERSEN ~ THE ROSE WINDOW
INTUITION 71318 (Barcode: 608917131826) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is a spectacular album by the Norwegian Jazz bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, recorded live in a classic piano trio setting with young and extremely talented Norwegian musicians: pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist and drummer Gard NilssenFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six original compositions by Andersen and the album also includes an interview with Andersen. This album is the sixth volume in the "European Jazz Legends" series and of course Andersen deserves to be included in the distinguished group of European Jazz Giants. His countless recordings over time, mostly for the ECMFind albums on this label label, present a formidable tale of virtuosity, talent, elegance and untarnished good taste lasting now for almost five decades.
The music is mostly beautifully melodic, with typical melancholic and lyrical ambience that characterizes Norwegian Jazz, but one up tempo and highly dynamic piece is also included, emphasizing the diversity of Andersen´s milieu as a composer and of course as a brilliant bassist. The trio performs excellently together, with the two young musicians treating the Master with respect, supporting amicably his many solos, incorporated within the pieces present on this album. Andersen of course reciprocates with allowing them to play their respective solos as well.
Andersen´s performances are all stunning, and his virtuosity seems to be completely unaffected by time, which is a great blessing. He is incredibly sensitive both harmonically and rhythmically and every touch of the strings is always perfect in tone and time.
In many respects this album is an epitome of European Jazz; it is all about the relationship between sound and silence, the minimalism and understatement, the meaning of melody and its reflection in hundreds of years of tradition of Folklore and Classical Music, and countless other subtleties, that only few Jazz musicians outside of Europe are blessed with.
It gives me an immense pleasure to see Arild Andersen in great shape today and considering that we are only a few years apart, it gives me hope of at least few years into the future staying on top of things. Thank you Arild for all those years of musical pleasures and what a pity I missed you in Oslo recently – something we have to rectify at the nearest future.
Obviously this album is a must to all fans of Andersen´s musical universe and all connoisseurs of European Jazz at its best!
| | Updated: 13/08/2016Posted: 13/08/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARILD ANDERSEN ~ THE TRIANGLE
ECM 1752 (Barcode: 602567430469) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of a wonderful album by Norwegian bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with Greek pianist Vassilis TsabropoulosFind albums by this artist and British drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, three composed by Andersen, four by Tsabropoulos, one a Classical piece arranged by him and finally one co-credited to all three musicians. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by my Friend Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, with the usual sublime sound quality.
The music is all beautifully melodic and lyrical, brilliantly performed by these Giant musicians. This is a 2nd album recorded by this trio, following the no less beautiful “AchiranaFind albums with this title”, originally released in 2000. Tsabropoulos, who emerged as a Classical pianist, turns out to be a most sensitive Jazz musician, with wonderful improvisational qualities. Marshall, the veteran of British / European Jazz scene since the 1960s, was at the time still one of the best drummers around, here sticking mostly to the “less is more” approach. The leader, and one of my favorite bass magicians on this planet, displays his usual qualities, which are simply breathtaking.
Overall, this is an absolutely “classic” Jazz piano trio album, which deserves an honorary place on the shelf of the “best ever” recordings in that niche. Lovers of the Artistry of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist should be especially interested, as Tsabropoulos has often a very similar touch and style to the American Giant. Criminally overlooked and absolutely essential Piano trio album, which should not be missed by anybody, who calls himself a Jazz lover!
| | Updated: 03/08/2024Posted: 03/08/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG / JACOB YOUNG ~ WHERE FLAMINGOS FLY
GRAPPA 4189 (Barcode: 7033662041893) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002
This is a wonderful duo album by Norwegian vocalist / songwriter Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist. They are supported on three tracks by the sublime bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, one of which was written by Krog, and the rest being Jazz standards. The album was produced by Karin’s Friend John SurmanFind albums by this artist and recorded by our Friend Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, at his legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, and offers a spectacular sound quality.
Karin and the young (at the time) Jacob, who was at the early stages of his career, met to record a few tunes together for the Norwegian Radio, after Karin realized that her great affinity for the “Art of the Duo” Jazz idiom never resulted in a recording with a guitarist earlier on. A couple of years later this recording of the entire duo project came to fruition, with spectacular results. Previously to this recording session Young released his 3rd album “GlowFind albums with this title”, which was a turning point of his career.
The music is, as always, a terrific journey through Jazz standards in a unique way Krog interprets them, which is unlike anything else within the genre. Her incredible sensitivity in expressing the lyrics and play around with the melody makes her a phenomenon. Young turns out to be a highly amicable accompanist, with great sensitivity to her vocal and rhythmic idiosyncrasies, soloing sparingly. It is truly amazing to realize that there is nothing missing here and the vocals and delicate guitar sounds create a complete doze of musical delivery.
Young remains perfectly within the supporting role, not trying to add even one unnecessary note or phrase, always assisting the vocals with exactly the right notes or chords. When Andersen joins the duo, his brilliant pulsations expand the sound impressively, but again not spoiling the intimacy if this session, proving again what a genius musician he is.
Overall, this is another great gem in the long list of Krog’s recorded legacy, which includes some of the finest Norwegian, European and American instrumentalists, but always emphasizes her complete individuality and uniqueness. Her music has been a source of musical delight since many years back, and continues to be so to this very day. Thank you for that, my Lady!
| | Updated: 01/02/2024Posted: 01/02/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ TRIPLICITY
SKIP 9052 (Barcode: 4037688905224) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005
This is an archival live album by German trombonist / composer / band leader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with Norwegian bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, six by Mangelsdorff, two by Andersen and two co-composed by the trio members. The album offers a stunning sound quality.
Although based on pre-composed themes, the music is an orgy of improvisation and startling virtuosity by the trio members. Mangelsdorff brought the trombone from the role of a rather limited backing instrument into the limelight of Jazz improvisation and his incredible technique enabled him to play sounds never previously intended to be played by that instrument, which is aptly proved herein.
Anderson, who is an amazing bassist and one of my favorite Jazz musicians in the world, proves to be an ideal partner for Mangelsdorff, accompanying him amicably and telepathically, with a no less stunning virtuosity. Favre, a highly talented drummer and avid participant on the European Improvised Music scene, is also just the right person to add the rhythmic pulsations to this music, which he does with elegance and taste.
Despite the fact that the music is largely improvised, it never loses its melodic touch and clear sense of direction. Obviously it is completely timeless and sounds as brilliant today as when it was recorded over four decades ago or released two decades ago.
Overall, this is a stunning example of European Jazz / Improvised Music, which is elegant, wonderfully put together and completely timeless, exploding with creativity, virtuosity and vision. Mangelsdorff, who died in 2005, remains an icon of German / European Jazz and this, being the only recording by this particular trio, is a superb reminder of his genius. It is, of course, an absolute must, for trombone lovers.
| | Updated: 23/07/2024Posted: 23/07/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GEORGE RUSSELL ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE
CAM JAZZ 1005 (Barcode: 8024709113221) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 - 1983 Released: 2010
This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American keyboardist / composer George RussellFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The recordings span a period of almost 20 years and present Russell in many different settings, from a sextet to a big Jazz Orchestra, his preferred weapon of choice. His brilliant compositions are the focal point of these recordings and present a most impressive volume of brilliant work, which earn him an honorable place in the history of the genre. Most of these recordings are with European and in particular Scandinavian musicians and the list of names reads like a who´s who of the European Jazz scene: Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, Bernt RosengrenFind albums by this artist, Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist, Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and many others. Russell resided in Europe in the mid to late 1960s and after returning to the US he often visited Europe and continued to record there. His music was accepted and appreciated in Europe much more that in his native US, which is the case with many American Jazzmen in the 1960s and 1970s, many of which resided in Europe for extended periods of time. The contents of this Box Set is a great tribute to the great composer´s life and work and includes some of the most interesting music recorded in the 20th Century. A must!
Side Note
The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label.
The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented.
However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty.
These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!
| | Updated: 12/04/2020Posted: | CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SAMO SALAMON / ARILD ANDERSEN / BOB MOSES ~ PURE AND SIMPLE
SAMO ~ SLOVENIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is an album by Slovenian Jazz guitarist Samo SalamonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with two Jazz icons: Norwegian bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and American drummer Bob MosesFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, five of which are original compositions co-composed by the trio members, one is co-composed by Salamon and Moses, one each are by Anderson and Moses and finally one is the trio’s interpretation of a standard by Albert AylerFind albums by this artist.
The music is absolutely delightful, based on sketchy melody lines and improvised extensively, keeping the volume low and the creativity high at all times. Salamon is an amazing guitar player, with an extensive recorded legacy to his credit, and a respectful position on the scene, despite his relatively young age. His guitar creates ambient layers of sound, which are completely unique, which is truly astounding considering the fact that the guitar is after all the most popular instrument out there.
Andersen, my favorite bass player of all time, provides the melodic layer with his virtuosic plucking and amazing sound. I have known him for almost as long as I have listened to music, and never heard him play anything less than heart wrenchingly beautiful. He is probably the most melodic bass player among his peers, and this album clearly shows why. Moses goes back to the sources of modern Jazz and his equally unique approach to drumming and sense of rhythm is obviously legendary. On this album his playing is kept somewhat at a distance, but at the same time present at all times, adding a heartbeat pulse and keeping the music on a chronometric track.
Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual album, full of superb playing and Jazz aesthetics of the highest caliber. If Salamon is a new name for you, it’s high time to catch up, as he is definitely a musician to put on one’s watch list. If you are a guitar player, well listening to this album might make you think twice about your future. If you love great Jazz, this album is an absolute must!
| | Updated: 21/07/2022Posted: 21/07/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ CHOPIN`S LETTERS. IMPROVISATIONS
NIFC 074 (Barcode: 5906395034710) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2022
This is a live album by iconic Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, Norwegian bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and Finnish drummer Olavi LouhivuoriFind albums by this artist. Fragments of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist’s letters are recited by Andrzej ChyraFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, nine of which are performed by the quartet, of those eight are original compositions by Stanko and one is by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Three of the quartet tracks include recitation and six tracks are recitations only. The album is packed in a lavish digibook format with bi-lingual texts, which include the texts of the letters and background information about the musicians.
The album presents a special concert, organized by The Fryderyk Chopin Institute, recorded in 2014, which was part of the music festival called “Chopin and his Europe”. The album was released only in 2022, four years after Stanko’s death in 2018. In many respects the recording follows the Jazz & Poetry concept, but in this case the spoken word is Prose, which is obviously less effective, especially since the music was not specifically written to accompany these texts, but rather offers a random (?) selection of Stanko’s compositions recorded during his long career.
The performances are, as expected, nothing short of spectacular, with Wasilewski’s beautiful romanticism, Anderson’s brilliant bass parts, Louhivuori’s energetic and tasteful rhythmic accents and of course Stanko’s Godly trumpet artistry. The sound quality of the live recording is a bit iffy at times, but acceptable.
Chopin’s fate as the Polish “National” composer has been brutally abused over time by the Polish Jazz community, with hundreds, if not thousands of interpretations of his music, often completely tasteless and unnecessary. Although this album is completely innocent of these vices, it still rises a question as to the relevance of the project as a whole, at least in my mind.
Overall, this is a beautiful Jazz album, which Stanko’s many fans worldwide can fully enjoy, if they program their player to skip over the spoken word tracks. Polish speakers can of course enjoy also Chopin’s witty and emotional letters, in addition to the excellent Jazz music, and I leave them to contemplate the connection between the two at their own leisure.
| | Updated: 02/08/2024Posted: 02/08/2024 | CD 1 Digibook Recommend To A Friend |
  | TSABROPOULOS / ANDERSEN / MARSHALL ~ ACHIRANA
ECM 1728 (Barcode: 602448279248) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1999 Released: 2022
This is a reissue of a wonderful album by a trio consisting of Greek Jazz pianist / composer Vassilis TsabropoulosFind albums by this artist, Norwegian Jazz bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and British Jazz drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, five composed by Tsabropoulos, two composed by Andersen and two co-composed by all three musicians. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by my Friend Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, with the usual sublime sound quality.
The music is all beautifully melodic and lyrical, brilliantly performed by these Giant musicians. This is the 1st album recorded by this trio, followed by the no less beautiful “The TriangleFind albums with this title”, originally released in 2004. Tsabropoulos, who emerged as a Classical pianist, turns out to be a most sensitive Jazz musician, with wonderful improvisational qualities. Andersen, one of my favorite bass magicians on this planet, displays his usual qualities, which are simply breathtaking. Marshall, the veteran of British / European Jazz scene since the 1960s, was at the time still one of the best drummers around, here sticking mostly to the “less is more” approach.
Overall, this is an absolutely “classic” Jazz piano trio album, which deserves an honorary place on the shelf of the “best ever” recordings in that niche. Lovers of the Artistry of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist should be especially interested, as Tsabropoulos has often a very similar touch and style to the American Giant. Criminally overlooked and absolutely essential Piano trio album, which should not be missed by anybody, who calls himself a Jazz lover!
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 05/08/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | EDWARD VESALA TRIO ~ NANA
SVART 421 (Barcode: 6430065585183) ~ FINLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2018
This is a reissue of the iconic debut album by the Godfather of modern Finnish Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist and his trio with Finnish saxophonist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist and Norwegian bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, four by Aaltonen, one each by Vesala and Andersen and one co-composed by all three members of the trio. Finnish trumpeter Mike KoskinenFind albums by this artist, who was supposed to play on the album, fell ill and the recording went down in history as a trio affair.
This was the first ever Finnish Free Jazz album and except for the little known album "NykysuomalaistaFind albums with this title" (Contemporary Finnish) recorded a year earlier, on which Vesala and Aaltonen appeared only on the B side of the LP, this was the debut full album for both of them.
The music is typical of the early European Free Jazz wave, which exploded on both sides of the Iron Curtain by the late 1960s. Vesala enlisted Anderson (who was a few months younger than him) to play with the trio as Anderson had already gained experience playing Free Jazz with Don CherryFind albums by this artist and others. The cooperation proved to be of crucial importance for Vesala, as it led to him being introduced to Norwegian saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist. In 1972 Vesala took part in his first ECMFind albums on this label album, the Jan Garbarek´s "TriptykonFind albums with this title" and soon after recorded his debut album for the label "Nan MadolFind albums with this title". He recorded five more albums for ECM and also participated on albums by Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist released by the label.
In retrospect, the album is not only a highly important document of Finnish / European Jazz, but also a piece of music that still sounds vibrant and exciting, in spite of the fact that it was recorded five decades earlier.
This remastered edition is the first ever appearance of this historic album on CD, and considering its immense importance, it is an absolute must for any serious European Free Jazz connoisseur!
| | Updated: 28/06/2020Posted: 26/06/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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