Record Reviews

QUARTET AJATON ~ EARLY MUSIC IN THE LATEST WAY ALBA 458 (Barcode: 6417513104585) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the second album by the Finnish Quartet AjatonFind albums by this artist, which consists of vocalist Mia SimanainenFind albums by this artist, bandoneon player Henrik SandasFind albums by this artist, Moog synthesizer player Kari IkonenFind albums by this artist and viola da gamba (a.k.a. viol) player Mikko PerkolaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, most of which are interpretations of Early Music from the 16th and 17th Century, four by the English Renaissance composer / singer John DowlandFind albums by this artist, one by Henry PurcellFind albums by this artist, three by various composers of the period and finally one is a Finnish traditional melody. The music offers a very original sound, which mixes early instruments, the Moog synthesizer and vocals in a most surprising manner, which immediately rises the listener’s eyebrows. There is a delicate balance between the original music and the improvised parts. Each of the three instruments and the vocals switch between the original melody lines and improvisations, often within the same tracks, creating a natural flow, which in fact is hardly natural at all, weaving a sophisticated tapestry of “illusion”, which tries to transform the music several Centuries ahead of its time. The vocalist and the instrumentalists do a stunning job from start to finish, playing with highly aesthetic imagination, obvious skill and reserve, carefully avoiding the possibility to upset the delicate balance that this music is based upon. One has truly to admire the audacity involved in taking such radical approach to the original music, and yet manage to arrive victorious at the end, preserving the soul of the music and at the same time deconstruct it into contemporary environment. This album is certainly one of the most interesting attempts to deal with Early Music in an innovative and highly creative way, which to me proves again the incredible richness of the Finnish music scene, which sadly often remains undiscovered. It might take a while to get into by less experienced music explorers, but it is definitely worth the effort and certainly deserves to be discovered! Beautifully done Lady and Gentlemen! Respect…

Updated: 24/04/2021Posted: 24/04/2021

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BOBO STENSON ~ GOODBYE ECM 1904 (Barcode: 602498251737) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is a beautiful album by Swedish pianist / composer Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, one of the most important modern European Jazz musicians with an extensive recording legacy, which includes many absolute classic Jazz albums. Recorded with his trio with bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, the music includes original composition by Stenson, and Motian, as well as standards and lesser known pieces like, one even by Classical composer Henry PurcellFind albums by this artist arranged by Jormin. This musical diversity reflects well Stenson´s ability to feel comfortable in any musical setting, always elegantly and with true virtuosity. The performances are stellar indeed and overall this is a perfect piano trio album, which is my favorite format. The album is an absolute must to all piano / piano trio lovers and serious Jazz connoisseurs.

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GIANLUIGI TROVESI / STEFANO MONTANARI ~ STRAVAGANZE CONSONANTI ECM 2390 (Barcode: 602448286000) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2023 This is an album by the legendary Italian Jazz clarinetist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist, recorded with a ten-piece ensemble conducted by concertmaster Stefano MontanariFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, six of which are original compositions by Trovesi and the rest are pieces by early Classical composers, mostly by the English Baroque composer Henry PurcellFind albums by this artist and several Renaissance composers. The music offers a unique amalgam of Early Music and Jazz, which sounds completely organic and natural. Trovesi’s beautiful pieces fit perfectly in spirit with the Classical pieces, and there is absolutely no dissonance between the modern and the ancient, when in the hands of these talented musicians. Of course music of this kind requires careful and attentive listening and a lot of patience and open-mindedness, but all great music necessitates an effort in order to embrace it in full. I can only ensure my readers, that such effort is fully paid back in case of this music. Overall, also demanding, this is a truly divine music, which I can warmly recommend, like everything else Gianluigi Trovesi ever recorded. He is an Artist of great talent and passion, and sharing his music is always a delightful experience. Both Jazz and Early Music enthusiasts will be fully satisfied!

Updated: 23/07/2026Posted: 23/07/2026

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