Record Reviews

BILLY MEIER ~ SOUNDS FROM ERRA ORA FONOGRAM 142 (Barcode: 7090015631422) ~ NORWAY ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the second album by the Norwegian ensemble Billy MeierFind albums by this artist, which comprises of flautist / keyboardist Henriette Hvidsten EilertsenFind albums by this artist, violinist Hans KjorstadFind albums by this artist, guitarist Sander Eriksen NordahlFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin MorlandFind albums by this artist and drummer Ivar Myrset AsheimFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen original compositions, mostly composed by Asheim or co-composed by the ensemble members. The music, as the ensemble´s name suggests, is strongly influenced by Space Rock, Psychedelia and Science Fiction narrative, but incorporates also some improvisation, electronic and World Music influences, creating a unique kaleidoscope of sounds, which the ensemble describe as Space Jazz. The overall sound and ambience of the music is quite retro, and if blindfold tested might have passed as a late 1960s recording, which of course is meant as a compliment. The music is often interrupted by unexpected sudden twists and turns and even Free Jazz improvisation, which results in it being completely unpredictable, again meant as a compliment. It is great to see musicians exploring uncharted territory, which this ensemble surely does, eschewing easy solutions and well-trodden paths, which alone is praiseworthy. Combined with the delightful music, this album is a superb listening experience for a wide range of open-minded listeners. Although it offers limited appeal to traditional Jazz listeners, Prog lovers and Art Rock freaks should have a field day with this little gem. The ensemble´s live shows are supposed to be sensational – hope to catch one soon!

Updated: 10/06/2019Posted: 10/06/2019

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THOMAS TORSTRUP ~ TWO BROTHERS NXN 2007 (Barcode: 7090052640128) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021 This is the debut album as a leader by Norwegian pianist / composer Thomas TorstrupFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with trumpeter Simen Kiil HalvorsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Stian Andreas Egeland AndersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Ivar Myrset AsheimFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, seven by Torstrup and one by Andersen. The music is all within the modern mainstream Jazz idiom, based on solid, melodic compositions, which serve as vehicles for improvisations by the quartet members. The classic Jazz quartet with trumpet up front is a refreshing reminder of many such ensembles in the good old Bebop and Hard Bop days, which is sadly less popular these days. Much of the music is based on the intimate dialogue between the piano and the trumpet, which works marvelously even without any accompaniment by the rhythm section, but of course the quartet performances as equally enjoyable. Torstrup is definitely a skilled and imaginative pianist, and his highly developed sense of melody allows him to develop fluid and coherent soloing all through the album. Halvorsen, who appears on several albums I had the pleasure to review earlier, has a beautiful clear sound and excellently uses the muted sound to emphasize the lyrical moments. The rhythm section is also very skilled and performs amicably, keeping the music on track. Overall, this is an admirable debut effort showing a lot of potential, which will definitely come to fruition in the future work by these young representatives of the Norwegian Jazz scene, which in the last decade achieved a significant footstep on the European Jazz scene. Definitely well done!

Updated: 01/12/2021Posted: 01/12/2021

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