Record Reviews
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  | AINA FRIDEN ~ UP HIGH
LOSEN 176 (Barcode: 7090025831768) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by Norwegian vocalist Aina FridenFind albums by this artist recorded in a quintet setting with Swedish pianist Ulf Johansson WerreFind albums by this artist, who also plays trombone on one track, and the trio led by Norwegian guitarist / composer Frode KjekstadFind albums by this artist, with bassist Roger WilliamsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Hermund NygardFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine songs, six of which are standards and three are originals composed by Kjekstad (two featuring lyrics by Friden).
The music is mostly Swing / mainstream Jazz, a bit "retro" stylistically, but in the best possible meaning of the phrase. The arrangements are fresh and sparkling and the execution perfect in every way. The original compositions are every bit as wonderful as the standards.
Friden´s interpretations of the songs are a bit limited and she does not venture beyond the typical role of a Swing singer or take any chances, but at the same time she does exactly what is right for this kind of evocative atmosphere. Her tone is pleasant, her pronunciation accurate and her emotional interpretations of the lyrics are just right without unnecessary theatrics.
The instrumental parts are stunningly played by the quartet, with one great solo chasing another and rhythm section supporting the music amicably and keeping the time straight as an arrow. Both the piano and guitar parts are wonderful examples of great taste and elegance, with Kjekstad´s unique stylistic approach to the guitar being especially strikingly impressive.
Overall this is a wonderful Swing vocal album, which should satisfy all vocal Jazz connoisseurs, breaking a few hearts here and there on the way. I had a great fun listening to this music and fond memories of times long gone swept my mind repeatedly. They don´t make music like this any more (or at least very rarely), so don´t miss this album if you are a romantic at heart. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 05/10/2017Posted: 05/10/2017 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ERIK THORMOD HALVORSEN ~ SOCIAL CALL
LOSEN 189 (Barcode: 7090025831898) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is an album by veteran Norwegian trumpeter Erik Thormod HalvorsenFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic sextet setting with British (resident in Norway) saxophonist Dave EdgeFind albums by this artist, pianist Freddy Hoel NilsenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Frode KjekstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Agnar AspaasFind albums by this artist and drummer Lars Erik NorumFind albums by this artist. A larger brass section is present on two of the tracks, creating a Big Band effect. Together they perform ten pieces, three of which are original compositions by Halvorsen and one by Aspaas, and the remaining six are standards.
The music is classic mainstream Jazz, somewhere between Swing and Bebop, as if frozen in a time capsule going back to the 1940s, beautifully melodic and spiced with well behaved improvised solos full of lyricism and wonderful elegance. Of course one can wonder if playing this kind of Jazz is still relevant today, but in this specific case the music is a tribute to the Jazz tradition, heartfelt and unpretentious, and as such fully relevant, as classic today as what other people call Classical music.
The performances and arrangements are all absolutely perfect, as expected from these professionals, with excellent solos and tight sextet playing. The music was superbly recorded and presents a clear, rounded sound, which is a delight to listen to and Hi-Fi enthusiasts´ heaven.
Overall this is a delightful album for mainstream Jazz connoisseurs, which has everything this genre demands: great tunes, perfect band and beautiful playing. Well done!
| | Updated: 17/02/2018Posted: 17/02/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 |
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