Record Reviews

ANDERS JORMIN ~ SILVAE DRAGON 338 (Barcode: 7391953003389) ~ SWEDEN ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is an album by the Swedish bassist / composer / bandleader Anders JorminFind albums by this artist, recorded in a sextet setting with Norwegian trumpeter Arve HenriksenFind albums by this artist, Swedish clarinetist / saxophonist Fredrik LjungkvistFind albums by this artist, Finnish vibraphonist Severi PyysaloFind albums by this artist, French guitarist Marc DucretFind albums by this artist and Swedish drummer / pianist (Anders’ brother) Christian JorminFind albums by this artist. The album presets ten tracks, all of which are original compositions by Anders Jormin. The music is based on composed themes, but is highly improvised, and quite complex. The Scandinavian mood and atmosphere prevail and Jormin’s virtuosic bass performances are the apex of the performances. Obviously the music requires open mindedness and patience, but the musical values are highly potent and reflect the incredible level of the European Jazz scene at the end of the last Century. Anders Jormin established a remarkable career both as a leader and sideman with such legendary Jazz musicians like Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist or Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist among others, and has a long list of exceptional recordings to his credit since the mid-1980s. This album, recorded with some of the top European Jazz players is certainly up to par with the rest of his work. Overall, this is a breathtaking example of highly advanced European Jazz / Improvised Music, which lost nothing of its potent emotions and qualities since the time it was recorded a quartet of a Century ago. Highly recommended!

Updated: 24/06/2026Posted: 24/06/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SCHEEN JAZZORKESTER & FREDRIK LJUNGKVIST ~ FRAMAT! GRONG 25002 (Barcode: 7186039295976) ~ NORWAY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2025 This is the 10th album by the Norwegian Jazz Big Band / Orchestra, called Scheen JazzorkesterFind albums by this artist, recorded with Swedish saxophonist / composer Fredrik LjungkvistFind albums by this artist, who was commissioned to write the eight-parts concerto presented here, which was recorded live. The orchestra, which was established in 2010, consists now of twelve members, all of which are highly experienced and proficient musicians. Ljungkvist joins the orchestra’s lineup and solos on several tracks. The music is quite complex and challenging, moody and definitely not what Big Band listeners usually expect, but of course this is exactly what its musical direction is about, portraying both strong Scandinavian influences, dark climates and modern European Orchestral Jazz, which is diametrically different from the American tradition. There are some Classical music and Folkloristic influences, and the melodic elements are anything but straightforward, which of course means that the music requires attentive listening and patience, which eventually pay back big time. I have been following this Big Band since day one and their collective recording legacy is a tremendous example of modern European Big Band / Orchestra Music achievements, which present a wide scale of musical trends and approaches, always searching for new challenges and new means of musical expression. Overall, this is another excellent addition to the Scheen Jazzorkester legacy, which never ceases to surprise and innovate and is always ready for fresh challenges. Jazz lovers, who are open-minded and love the Big Band sound should be extremely satisfied with this album. Well done, as always!

Updated: 08/09/2025Posted: 08/09/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend