Record Reviews

JACOB ANDERSKOV ~ I SANG APRIL 123 (Barcode: 5709498112329) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2024 This is an album by Danish pianist / composer / bandleader Jacob AnderskovFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with trumpeter Kasper TranbergFind albums by this artist, drummer Jakob HoyerFind albums by this artist, vocalist Soffie ViemoseFind albums by this artist and vocalist / tuba player / trombonist Jakob MunckFind albums by this artist. A choir takes part on one track. The album presents ten tracks, all of which are arrangements of songs from a collection of Danish Folk songs, singalongs and hymns. Six of the tracks are instrumentals and four include vocals. Anderskov takes the original songs / melodies deeply into the Jazz idiom, creating an intimate, and quite minimalist atmosphere of reflection and typical Scandinavian dialogue with silence. I am not familiar with these songs, but somehow the entire album reminds me of a Christmas sentiment, but that is only associative. Most of the instrumental work is by the piano, with brilliant topping by the trumpet; everything else is purely secondary, except for the vocals of course. As already stated above, silence is one of the main ingredients of this wonderful music, which of course demands patience and aesthetic openness, but summa summarum is richly rewarded. Overall, this is a very unique, stimulating and charming album by an experienced musician, who knows exactly what he wants to achieve. Contemplative, relaxed and uncluttered, the music requires attentive listening, but flows gently, proposing some peace and quiet in today’s crazy stressed world.

Updated: 20/02/2024Posted: 20/02/2024

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KARLIS AUZINS ~ IMAGES IN REGARD OF THE CENTRAL REFERENCE SYSTEM NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5707471046197) ~ LATVIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Latvian saxophonist / composer Karlis AuzinsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quartet which also includes Polish pianist Artur TuznikFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Joel IllerhagFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Jakob HoyerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Auzins. The music is characteristic of the modern contemporary European Jazz, based on folkloristic themes and lyrical melodies, but also allowing a lot of space for improvisation and personal explorations by the quartet members. At times the music moves away from the melodic layer and ventures into Free improvisations, but usually just for relatively limited spans, which allows less experienced listeners to remain in focus and pick up the melody later on. Auzins emerges as a surprisingly mature improviser, who is able to play a solo soprano saxophone piece lasting for almost five minutes without a hitch, with outstanding virtuosity and imagination. But his performances with the quartet are also superb and he manages to create a unique sound, which is extremely rare these days. He also plays some amazing unisono parts with the piano and the bowed bass. Tuznik also plays wonderfully, both as a soloist and accompanist, exchanging intricate notes with Auzins during their many duet statements as well as stretching out during his solos. The rhythm section, which on this album stays mostly in the background, hidden beneath the intensity of the saxophone / piano front line, contributes its valuable parts when allowed to do so and as expected does it admirably. This ability to step aside is most appreciated and does not diminish the status of the rhythm section at all. The music simply organically opens up for a rhythm section contribution whenever those are appropriate. The music definitely belongs to the Scandinavian or rather Baltic tonality, with most of the tunes being low key and low tempo, and contemplation and slow progression are the key ingredients. The fact that the quartet comprises of young musicians from four different countries is the decisive proof that European Jazz is enjoying and incredible renaissance and a new generation of highly talented musicians is emerging, blessed by sublime talents. This is definitely a most impressive debut recording, which emotionally reminds me of the moments in 1960s when Jazz first broke its ties with bebop tradition and moved into a new epoch. Now, five decades later, this beloved music of ours is still making giant steps into the unknown. Hats off, young Lions!

Updated: 17/06/2016Posted: 17/06/2016

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ARTUR TUZNIK ~ ARTUR TUZNIK TRIO MULTIKULTI MPJ 019 (Barcode: 5907796319857) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is a debut album as a leader by young Polish (resident in Copenhagen) pianist / composer Artur TuznikFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format which also includes two Danish musicians: bassist Nils Bo DavidsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jakob HoyerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original composition by Tuznik. The album was recorded at the excellent RecPublica Studios and offers excellent sound quality. The music presents a remarkably mature set of compositions, which although based on melodic themes, are beautifully open and unrestrained. It is pretty amazing to find such young musicians playing in such challenging musical environment and of course this album immediately sets an example to a whole generation of young pianists, which clearly points towards what can be achieved and what should be played, even at the very early stages of a Jazz career. For Polish music connoisseurs and aficionados the challenge here is to discover the hidden clues of the influence of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist on this music. Tuznik is an outstanding piano player, a fact that becomes clear after just a few notes. His self-confidence and imagination take over the music and lead it securely towards an open-minded expressionism, full of lyricism and emotion regardless of the free form and uneven rhythmic patterns. Of course every piano trio is only as good as its members and Tuznik definitely found ideal partners herein, who are willing to share his openness and exploration based modus operandi, improvising together without giving up their individuality. This trio is definitely way beyond the concept of a piano and a rhythm section – it is a fully organic ensemble which creates music symbiotically. I suppose such music making is only possible in Europe, where the minds of the young Jazz musicians have not been mercilessly blunted by overexposure to American mainstream, which completely smothers individuality and progress. Such wonderful creativity and forward-thinking as present on this album is an antidote to everything the American Jazz tradition is trying desperately to cling to. This is definitely one of the most impressive Polish Jazz recordings of 2016 and a stunning debut effort in every respect. One can only wish that more young musicians will follow the path set by this album, which will make true music lovers exceedingly happy. It is a rare combination of talent, vision and the courage to stand behind ones choices and decisions, which again points out the maturity of the musicians involved. Polish Jazz is not only alive and kicking, but slowly starts to spread all over Europe and get incorporated into the new fabric of young European Jazz, which bridges Warsaw, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo and other European cities where young European music students are brewing the Jazz we will enjoy in the years to come. Hats off!

Updated: 10/10/2016Posted: 10/10/2016

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