Record Reviews

ANDERS JORMIN ~ ONCE DRAGON 308 (Barcode: 7391953003082) ~ SWEDEN ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is the 5th album by the Swedish bassist / composer / bandleader Anders JorminFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Swedish saxophonist Thomas GustafsonFind albums by this artist, vocalist Jeanette LindstromFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist. The album presets ten tracks, three of which are original compositions by Jormin, one is co-composed by him and one is co-composed by Gustafson and Vespestad, and the rest are arrangements of standards and traditional songs. The music is based on composed themes, but is highly improvised, and quite complex. The Scandinavian mood and atmosphere prevail and Jormin’s virtuosic bass performances are the apex of the performances. For lovers of modern vocal Jazz, Lindstrom’s performances are also superb. Obviously the music requires open mindedness and patience, but the musical values are highly potent and reflect the incredible level of the European Jazz scene at the end of the last Century. Anders Jormin established a remarkable career both as a leader and sideman with such legendary Jazz musicians like Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist or Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist among others, and has a long list of exceptional recordings to his credit since the mid-1980s. This album, recorded with some of the top European Jazz players is certainly up to par with the rest of his work. Overall, this is a breathtaking example of highly advanced European Jazz / Improvised Music, which lost nothing of its potent emotions and qualities since the time it was recorded over a quartet of a Century ago. Highly recommended!

Updated: 05/07/2026Posted: 05/07/2026

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