Record Reviews

KETIL BJORNSTAD / SVANTE HENRYSON ~ NIGHT SONG ECM 2108 (Barcode: 602527095790) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 Following the two piano / cello albums recorded for the ECMFind albums on this label label by Norwegian pianist / composer Ketil BjornstadFind albums by this artist with US cellist David DarlingFind albums by this artist, he returns for the third time in the same instrumental setting, now with Swedish cellist Svante HenrysonFind albums by this artist. The music, similar in body and spirit to the previous duets, is on the other hand surprisingly different. Mostly composed by Bjornstad (twelve of the sixteen tracks with the remaining four by Henryson) it is atmospheric and deeply emotional, with strong ties to European Classical tradition, although Jazzy at all times. The telepathic cooperation between the two Masters is astounding and the overall atmosphere of the album is magical and mesmerizing. This is serious music, not to be listened to casually, and obviously requiring some effort, but the experience is deeply rewarding. Recommended to more experienced listeners, who also like contemporary Classical and other more complex musical forms.

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PIERRE FAVRE ~ WINDOW STEPS ECM 1584 (Barcode: 731452934826) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1996 This is a wonderful album by Swiss Jazz drummer / composer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist recorded with an international team of Jazz stars: British (of Canadian origin) trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Italian saxophonist Roberto OttavianoFind albums by this artist, American cellist David DarlingFind albums by this artist and bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions: four by Favre, one by Darling and two co-composed by members of the band. The music was superbly recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The music is beautifully melodic, contemplative and strangely Nordic in character, although no Scandinavian players are present. It borders on contemporary Chamber Music and includes some New Age accents, but is first and foremost elegantly European and completely artistically uncompromising. Both Darling and Swallow, who are American musicians, have played with European musicians throughout their extensive careers, and this influence can be felt here clearly. The instrumental performances are all stellar, as expected, and although most of the music in minimalist and subdued, there is enough space for formidable soloing, especially by Wheeler, who plays some outstanding notes on this album. Many Wheeler followers are not aware of his playing on this album and this is why I decided to add this review now, although the music was recorded two and a half decades earlier. But of course the rest of this splendid team also contributes generously and the album offers a continuous graceful musical joy ride, which used to characterize most of ECMFind albums on this label releases in the early days of the label´s activity. This album is wholeheartedly recommended to all European Jazz connoisseurs and absolute must to all lovers of Kenny Wheeler´s artistry.

Updated: 27/08/2020Posted: 27/08/2020

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