Record Reviews
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  | FRODE KJEKSTAD ~ A PIECE OF THE APPLE
LOSEN 178 (Barcode: 7090025831782) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Soul Fusion
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2017
This is an album by Norwegian guitarist / composer Frode KjekstadFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with American saxophonist Eric AlexanderFind albums by this artist, organist Mike LeDonneFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe FarnsworthFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Kjekstad and five are standards.
The music is a retro Soul / Blues / Jazz bordering on Smooth Jazz session, very well played but lacking challenge or innovation. Nevertheless it is a very enjoyable listen, especially due to Kjekstad´s excellent guitar work, which is definitely worth hearing. His style fits the musical environment of this album ideally and brings fond memories of some great Jazz guitar players from the 1950s and 1960s, like Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Herb EllisFind albums by this artist and others. LeDonne´s organ work is also nothing short of pure bliss.
The instrumentation featuring three lead instruments (organ, saxophone and guitar) opens up the soloing opportunities and creates a wonderful nostalgic warm sound, which is great fun to listen to, especially to the elders of the tribe like yours truly.
Overall a very enjoyable and pleasurable album, which is accessible to a very wide Jazz and beyond audience, which presents superb instrumental work and successfully avoids the muzak trap, but remains open to people who listen to Jazz for fun!
| | Updated: 15/07/2017Posted: 15/07/2017 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG / STEVE KUHN ~ BREAK OF DAY
MEANTIME 22 (Barcode: 7041880102227) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a duo album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and American pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist recorded in the US. American saxophonist Eric AlexanderFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist guest, each on three different tracks. The album presents fourteen tracks, all of which are Jazz standards. Three of the tracks feature lyrics written by Krog.
The music is a wonderful document of the rapport between Krog and Kuhn, which of course is present also on the other albums by the duo. The presence of the guests adds spark and glamour to the proceedings, but the duo offers everything needed to produce splendid Jazz just on their own of course.
Krog’s vocals are always highly intelligent and unique and Kuhn is a true virtuoso, who is able to get the most out of the piano, even if he uses a limited number of notes. Together they manage to enchant with their intimacy and heartfelt delivery.
Overall, this is a true gem of an album, which Jazz lovers should have a field day with. Brilliant piano technique and idiosyncratic vocals by one of the greatest European Jazz vocalists should be enough for everybody. Another great addition to the duo’s recorded legacy!
| | Updated: 11/05/2022Posted: 11/05/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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