Record Reviews

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 / DEXTER GORDON ~ SOME OTHER SPRING MEANTIME 10 (Barcode: 7051070000103) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2000 This is a reissue / remaster of the fourth album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1970 with a fabulous quartet: American saxophonist Dexter GordonFind albums by this artist and pianist Kenny DrewFind albums by this artist (both resident in Scandinavia at the time), Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Espen RudFind albums by this artist. The original album presented eight tracks, all standards, and this edition adds one outtake and three alternate takes as a bonus tracks. The music was recorded by the legendary Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist at his Rainbow Studio. 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 late-1960s, 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. Of course the performances by the young Scandinavian players are also exceptional. Overall, this is a wonderful trip down the memory line, taking the listener over fifty years back in time to the steaming Scandinavian 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: 25/03/2024Posted: 17/09/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend