Record Reviews
14 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | JAN GARBAREK ~ DANSERE
ECM 2146/48 (Barcode: 602527551784) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 - 1975 Released: 2012
This wonderful Box Set contains three early albums by the legendary Norwegian saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, the first of which was recorded by a quintet with guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist and the other two were recorded by a quartet with Stenson, bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and Christensen, recorded in early 1970s and released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are "SartFind albums with this title" (ECM 1015) recorded in 1971, "Witchi-Tai-ToFind albums with this title" (ECM 1041) recorded in 1973 and "DansereFind albums with this title" (ECM 1075) recorded 1975.
These albums are magnificent examples of early modern Scandinavian Jazz, which after years of copying American Jazz finally emerged as a new identity, leaving the tradition where it respectfully belongs. These six young (at that time) musicians emerged in time as some of the most creative and influential Jazz figures, producing groundbreaking music and expanding the realms of Jazz way beyond their original scope. They also defined the Scandinavian Sound, which to this day is a strong characteristic many recordings by Scandinavian musicians and some other trying to imitate them.
This music lost absolutely nothing of its original charm and fascination and sounds every bit as enchanting as it did at the time of the recording. Listening to it again after quite a few years makes a very strong impression and brings on waves of nostalgia to the times when music was constantly breaking new ground and was full of wonderful surprises. This is definitely worth re-visiting and re-discovering! Brilliant stuff!
Side Note: These albums are not available on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | MACIEJ GARBOWSKI ~ ELEMENTS
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
This is the debut album by the Polish Jazz bassist Maciej GarbowskiFind albums by this artist, known to followers of the Polish Jazz scene as one third of the RBBFind albums by this artist trio. The album is a bold statement in every respect: it is recorded live and by an unconventional (trumpet / bass / drums) trio with young Polish trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist and Swedish drummer Jon FaltFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of a continuous suite of mostly improvised music, which includes some composed motifs by Garbowski and Damasiewicz, sometimes used only in part and sometimes quoted in full. These motifs serve as points of reference in the continual conversation between the musicians, which is obviously spontaneous but seems to have a sense of almost telepathic consistency. Although separated into six tracks on the album, this is definitely one piece of music, mood and celebration of freedom. The technical proficiency of these young musicians is simply astounding and their ability to generate alternative sounds on their respective instruments is awe-inspiring. Damasiewicz and his trumpet, which at times remind us of Don CherryFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, taking the absolutely best lessons from both, is simply phenomenal. Hopefully his future recordings will give us more glimpses of his talent, since judging by this recording he is definitely heading in the right direction. Garbowski and his bass are virtuosic and enormously sensitive in this difficult setting, gluing the music together and supplying the anchor to stability, without restricting it in any sense. Falt and his drums, which are already familiar to Jazz connoisseurs from his work with pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, is the icing on the cake, ornamenting the music with delicate caressing touches on the cymbals or energetic full-kit explosions, al done with taste and elegance. Overall this is a brilliant piece of Free Jazz, perfectly executed and full of inspired, serious music, which easily compares to the best recordings of this type done anywhere else in the world. If the future fate of Polish Jazz (and European Jazz in general) is in the hands of young musicians like these three, the older generation can rest assured that it is in good hands indeed. Polish Jazz fans should definitely seek out this gem as soon as possible. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ ALL MY RELATIONS
ECM 1557 (Barcode: 731452734426) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1994 Released: 1995
Legendary US saxophonist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist continues his quest, now in the fifth decade of his activity, building up a legendary status as one of the most talented and original Jazz Masters. His accumulative legacy as a recording artist is truly immense, ranging from Bebop to Free, but his unique voicing and extraordinary sensitivity, both as a player and a composer, set him aside from most. Lloyd resumed his recording activity in the late 1980s on the ECMFind albums on this label label, where he released a series of wonderful albums, this one being a prime example of his abilities. The quartet consists of Swedish pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist and bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and veteran US drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight original compositions by Lloyd, all of which are truly moving. There is little need to encourage anybody to try this out, as people, who understand Jazz, already are more that convinced. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ CANTO
ECM 1635 (Barcode: 731453734524) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997
Legendary US saxophonist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist continues his quest, now in the fifth decade of his activity, building up a legendary status as one of the most talented and original Jazz Masters. His accumulative legacy as a recording artist is truly immense, ranging from Bebop to Free, but his unique voicing and extraordinary sensitivity, both as a player and a composer, set him aside from most. Lloyd resumed his recording activity in the late 1980s on the ECMFind albums on this label label, where he released a series of wonderful albums, this one being a prime example of his abilities. The quartet consists of Swedish pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist and bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and veteran US drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven original compositions by Lloyd, all of which are truly moving. There is little need to encourage anybody to try this out, as people, who understand Jazz, already are more that convinced. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ FISH OUT OF WATER
ECM 1398 (Barcode: 042284108829) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1989 Released: 1990
This is the first album on the iconic German ECMFind albums on this label label by American Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with the dreamy Scandinavian rhythm section comprising of pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. This, the CD version of the album, includes one bonus track not included on the LP version, totaling in seven original compositions, all by Lloyd.
The music offers a set of melodic, bluesy and wistful compositions, which spiritually are much way closer to the European / Nordic Jazz usually performed by the Scandinavian musicians taking part in this recording than what one might expect form an American Jazz musician, so deeply rooted in the Jazz tradition. But Lloyd was never a typical American Jazz musician and his exposure to European Jazz music and musicians during his career as well as his interest in World Music already proved that he can be quite unexpected and not following any particular trends.
The album´s mellow and melancholic tunes flow gently in the air, caressing the listener´s ear, splendidly performed by the quartet members. Lloyd´s soloing is beautifully fluid and tender. Bobo´s piano parts are in full harmony with the leader´s melodic approach and his soloing takes the music towards more spacey planes. The bass and drums, which have a limited straightforward rhythmic role in this setting, ornament the music with pulsation and accents, always perfectly suited with the melodic flow.
The album was, not surprisingly, received quite coldly by American critics and audiences, which at the time (late 1980s / early 1990s) approached the "ECM sound" with extreme caution and called it by the derogatory term "Euro Jazz", which proves that America was then still completely stuck in the conservative / retarded Jazz approach. Although in the three decades that passed since that time ECM managed to crack the American Jazz establishment, and even became somewhat fashionable, sadly partly due to the label´s conformism, most Americans still don´t get the quintessence of European Jazz.
Although this album offers very little innovation or groundbreaking musical exploration, in retrospect it remains a solid mainstream statement, full of great melodies and virtuosic performances, which should please most contemporary Jazz connoisseurs. It lost nothing of its charm over time and probably will never do so, and since it is rather sadly forgotten today, my recommendation is to revisit it – satisfaction guaranteed! Although it is very difficult to get hold of lately, it was reissued by ECM as part of the "Old And New Masters Series", as one of the first five albums Lloyd recorded for ECM, combined in the Charles Lloyd "QuartetsFind albums with this title" Box Set.
| | Updated: 06/08/2019Posted: 06/08/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ NOTES FROM BIG SUR
ECM 1465 (Barcode: 731451199929) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992
Legendary US saxophonist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist continues his quest, now in the fifth decade of his activity, building up a legendary status as one of the most talented and original Jazz Masters. His accumulative legacy as a recording artist is truly immense, ranging from Bebop to Free, but his unique voicing and extraordinary sensitivity, both as a player and a composer, set him aside from most. Lloyd resumed his recording activity in the late 1980s on the ECMFind albums on this label label, where he released a series of wonderful albums, this one being a prime example of his abilities. The quartet consists of Swedish pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist and bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and veteran US drummer Ralph PetersonFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight original compositions by Lloyd, all of which are truly moving. There is little need to encourage anybody to try this out, as people, who understand Jazz, already are more that convinced. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ THE CALL
ECM 1522 (Barcode: 602517799240) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2008
Legendary US saxophonist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist continues his quest, now in the fifth decade of his activity, building up a legendary status as one of the most talented and original Jazz Masters. His accumulative legacy as a recording artist is truly immense, ranging from Bebop to Free, but his unique voicing and extraordinary sensitivity, both as a player and a composer, set him aside from most. Lloyd resumed his recording activity in the late 1980s on the ECMFind albums on this label label, where he released a series of wonderful albums, this one being a prime example of his abilities. The quartet consists of Swedish pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist and bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and veteran US drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine original compositions by Lloyd, all of which are truly moving. There is little need to encourage anybody to try this out, as people, who understand Jazz, already are more that convinced. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ LEOSIA
ECM 1603 (Barcode: 731453169326) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997
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. Despite his advanced age, his powers as a player and composer seem to be ever growing and in contrast to Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with whom he is often compared (a comparison, which in most cases makes no sense whatsoever) he still retains the position of the main soloist on his albums and his compositions are more detailed intricate than ever and as much melodically and harmonically advanced as always. This incredible album, dedicated to his late Mother, finds Stanko again in the company of Swedish musicians: pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist and bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and surprisingly in first-time cooperation with British drummer Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist – probably the greatest living drummer on this planet, who unfortunately records ever so rarely. Stanko´s compositions on this album are more melodic and lyrical than usual, perhaps in view of the fact that he intentionally wished to concentrate on melody here. The quartet is perfect together, with Stenson and Jormin fitting the bill perfectly, being both extremely melodic players themselves. Oxley, as usual, is simply outstanding, ornamenting the music with his idiosyncratic approach to rhythm and the role of percussion in Jazz, but keeps his outbursts well in the overall framework of the music. This is phenomenal music, some of the best ever made on this planet, and if anyone tells you differently, he´s simply deeply confused. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ LITANIA – MUSIC OF KRZYSZTOF KOMEDA
ECM 1636 (Barcode: 731453755123) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997
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. Anybody familiar with the history of European Jazz is of course aware of the fact that Stanko was a member of the early modern Polish Jazz group led by his Mentor pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, one of world´s most important Jazz personalities, a Godfather of Polish Jazz and a phenomenal composer, in retrospect perhaps one of the greatest composers in Jazz history. Stanko´s musical personality was obviously formed and shaped by his association with Komeda, a fact that he often openly admits. Although Stanko occasionally paid homage to Komeda on his recordings over the years, it was only a matter of time until Stanko would produce a full-scope project as a tribute to Komeda´s music (and Komeda the man), and this is it. Stanko carefully arranged a series of composition by Komeda, ranging from his early works to his latest ones, and presents them here, performed by a septet comprising of Scandinavian musicians. Of course this is not a coincidence, as Komeda´s music was first recognized and acknowledged as exceptional outside his native country in Scandinavia (Sweden in particular), Poland´s northern neighbors, where Komeda performed during his lifetime, played and recorded with local musician and befriended many of them. The lineup includes Swedish saxophonists Bernt ResengrenFind albums by this artist (a veteran player of Komeda´s generation) and Joakim MilderFind albums by this artist, pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist, and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist and guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist (present on three tracks only). Since I´ve already written extensively about Komeda´s music, I will only say that these performances manage both to preserve the original beauty and depth of it, as well as transform is successfully into the present Jazz idiom, with grace, intelligence and deep respect. The performances are stellar from start to finish, the solos breathtaking, the rhythm session imaginative, yet solid like a rock – in other words this is perfect in every sense one can associate with music. This is a worthy and fitting tribute to the great Genius by the best and most sensitive musicians around and an absolute must in any music library, regardless of genre preferences. Beyond essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ MATKA JOANNA
ECM 1544 (Barcode: 731452398628) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1994 Released: 1995
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. Despite his advanced age, his powers as a player and composer seem to be ever growing and in contrast to Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with whom he is often compared (a comparison, which in most cases makes no sense whatsoever) he still retains the position of the main soloist on his albums and his compositions are more detailed intricate than ever and as much melodically and harmonically advanced as always. This incredible album, finds Stanko again in the company of Swedish musicians: pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist and bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and surprisingly in first-time cooperation with British drummer Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist – probably the greatest living drummer on this planet, who unfortunately records ever so rarely. This is the first of the two albums Stanko recorded with this quartet. The album is dedicated to the Polish film director Jerzy KawalerowiczFind albums by this artist, whose film "Matka Joanna Od Aniolow" (1961) was a groundbreaking masterpiece of the Polish post-WWII cinema. The music was composed mostly by Stanko, but also co-composed by the quartet members and includes one composition by Oxley. This is one of the last albums, on which Stanko´s compositions are very sparse and the music is mostly freely improvised. The quartet is perfect together, with Stenson and Jormin fitting the bill perfectly, being both greatly gifted players. Oxley, as usual, is simply outstanding, ornamenting the music with his idiosyncratic approach to rhythm and the role of percussion in Jazz, but keeps his outbursts well in the overall framework of the music. This is phenomenal music, some of the best ever made on this planet, and if anyone tells you differently, he´s simply deeply confused. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOBO STENSON ~ GOODBYE
ECM 1904 (Barcode: 602498251737) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
This is a beautiful album by Swedish pianist / composer Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, one of the most important modern European Jazz musicians with an extensive recording legacy, which includes many absolute classic Jazz albums. Recorded with his trio with bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, the music includes original composition by Stenson, and Motian, as well as standards and lesser known pieces like, one even by Classical composer Henry PurcellFind albums by this artist arranged by Jormin. This musical diversity reflects well Stenson´s ability to feel comfortable in any musical setting, always elegantly and with true virtuosity. The performances are stellar indeed and overall this is a perfect piano trio album, which is my favorite format. The album is an absolute must to all piano / piano trio lovers and serious Jazz connoisseurs.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOBO STENSON ~ INDICUM
ECM 2233 (Barcode: 602527945750) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
This is a breathtakingly beautiful album by the veteran Swedish pianist / composer Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, one of the pillars of Scandinavian and European Jazz, recorded in his favorite classic piano trio format with his long-time collaborator bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and much younger upcoming drummer Jon FaltFind albums by this artist. Together they perform twelve pieces, three of which are credited to all the trio members, two are by Jormin and the rest come from many diverse sources, both from the Jazz idiom and outside, an eclecticism typical of Stenson´s recordings.
In many respects Stenson is an epitome of European Jazz, combining in his refined stylistic approach the elegance and sophistication of the European Culture at its best, which elevates the Jazz tradition to a new level. Reserved, even humble at times, delicate and minimalistic, Stenson spreads his magic with single touches of the keyboard, following the "more is less" aesthetics.
Of course a trio is only as good as the quality of all its members, which in this case is beyond reproach. Jormin is already recognized as one of the great Masters of the acoustic Bass and Falt by now earned quite a reputation as an intelligent, highly sensitive player. Together they create a kind of enchantment, which characterized only very few selected piano trios in Jazz history. Fans and followers of Stenson´s piano trio recordings are by now convinced, that he and his trios belong to the top echelon of artistic achievements and he is a fabulous gatekeeper of the exquisite piano trio legacy.
This music is very calm, reflective and somewhat reserved, and as such requires total attention and dedication in order to be fully appreciated. And yet in spite of its seemingly delicate structure, it cuts deeply into the listener´s emotional fabric, arising very strong reactions, which of course is a part of its magic. Although I love everything Stenson recorded so far, I developed a very special attachment towards this particular recording, as it touches my innermost strings. This is an absolute masterpiece and an essential ingredient of the beautiful Jazz spirit that we all love so much. A must!
| | Updated: 07/02/2016Posted: 07/02/2016 | CD 1 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOBO STENSON ~ VERY EARLY
DRAGON 304 (Barcode: 7391953003044) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1986 Released: 1997
This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the third album by the great Swedish pianist / composer Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and drummer Rune CarlssonFind albums by this artist. Originally released in 1987, this CD edition adds three bonus tracks not present on the LP. The album presents nine tracks, one of which is an original composition by Stenson and another by Jormin, and the rest are standards.
The music is absolutely delightful, classic Jazz piano trio setting and modern mainstream repertoire, emphasizing the talents of three Giant musicians. Stenson is one of the great European romantics, whose music can be followed on the impressive series of recordings for the ECMFind albums on this label label, starting with his debut album from 1971 and the latest one (at the time of writing) released in 2023. Stenson released only two albums as a leader outside of his ECM recordings, this one being one of them.
Jormin is one of my favorite Jazz bassist, a true virtuoso and a brilliantly sensitive player, with an impressive recording legacy both as a leader and member of groups led by Charles LloydFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist.
Carlsson, one of Sweden’s Jazz Godfathers, known to be the drummer of choice by many American Jazz musicians, who played often in Sweden on the 1960s and 1970s. He is also known to Polish Jazz followers as a member of the early groups led by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this is an excellent Jazz piano trio album, which shows the Swedish / European Jazz at its best, and is a delightful musical experience from start to finish. Piano trio buffs will be absolutely smitten by this music, especially if they were not previously exposed to the early years of Stenson. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 03/08/2023Posted: 03/08/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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