Record Reviews

MATHISEN / BREISTEIN ~ GADGETS AMP 024 (Barcode: 662578831174) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by duo comprising of guitarist / composer Svein Rikard MathisenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / composer Inge Weatherhead BreisteinFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in a quartet setting with Swedish bassist Johannes VahtFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Raymond Storaunet LavikFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven original pieces, all co-composed by the duo members. The music is melody based modern European Jazz with a strong Nordic flavor, but somewhat more energetic than most Nordic recordings. The tight guitar / saxophone (often unisono) sound is quite characteristic and dominates the proceedings. Both leaders solo extensively following the introductory passages, supported amicably by the rhythm section, which is highly professional but remains in the background most of the time. All the compositions are kept at the same emotional level and similar tempo, which half the way through the album creates a déjà vu impression, which is difficult to shake down. Although the music is fine, it simply fails to take the listener by storm. Nevertheless the album is well played and deserves to be listened to, even if it appears somewhat monotonic. Overall this is an interesting debut effort, which shows a lot of potential, which will probably blossom in the duo´s future projects. It is a fine reflection of the diversity of the contemporary Norwegian Jazz. Guitar fans will find here many licks, which are a delight to listen to.

Updated: 04/10/2018Posted: 04/10/2018

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