Record Reviews
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  | HELGE LIEN / KNUT HEM ~ HUMMINGBIRD
OZELLA 079 (Barcode: 4038952000799) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018
This is an album by a Norwegian duo comprising of pianist / composer Helge LienFind albums by this artist and dobro player / composer Knut HemFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, five by Hem and two by Lien, and one piece by American guitarist / dobro player Jerry DouglasFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Oslo and presents a spectacular sound quality, clarity and resolution.
Separated by seemingly unbridgeable stylistic differences, Lien and Hem prove that music is completely and unconditionally universal. The amalgam of cold winds over fjords and scorching winds over deserts and canyons works as well as the sublime harmony between Jazz and Americana, when in the right hands and minds.
The balance between the majestic piano and the magical sound of the dobro (and the Weissenborn guitar which Hem also uses) is simply perfect and the two instrumental sounds compliment each other not only harmonically but also esthetically. The resulting music is superbly melodic, deeply lyrical and serene, immediately touching upon the innermost string of the listener´s soul.
Overall the album presents a deeply moving musical experience, which combines great musicianship and excellent compositions. The virtuosic performances by both musicians are beyond reproach and guitar lovers (especially those interested in steel guitar and slide guitar sound) will be completely overwhelmed by what this album has to offer. Both musicians have to be praised for taking a bold, unconventional step towards uncharted territory. Wholeheartedly recommended and definitely worth the effort of grabbing a copy of this beauty at the earliest convenience. Delightful stuff!
| | Updated: 10/11/2018Posted: 10/11/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HELGE LIEN / KNUT HEM ~ VILINGSBERG
OZELLA 100 (Barcode: 4038952001000) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2022
This is the second album by a Norwegian duo comprising of pianist / composer Helge LienFind albums by this artist and dobro player / composer Knut HemFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, eight by Hem and one by Lien, and one piece by American banjo player Béla FleckFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Oslo and presents a spectacular sound quality, clarity and resolution.
Apparently the music was recorded at the same sessions in 2016, that produced the debut album “HummingbirdFind albums with this title” released in 2018, which of course means that everything I had to say about that album can be repeated below with the same enthusiasm.
Separated by seemingly unbridgeable stylistic differences, Lien and Hem prove that music is completely and unconditionally universal. The amalgam of cold winds over fjords and scorching winds over deserts and canyons works as well as the sublime harmony between Jazz and Americana, when in the right hands and minds.
The balance between the majestic piano and the magical sound of the dobro (and the Weissenborn guitar which Hem also uses) is simply perfect and the two instrumental sounds compliment each other not only harmonically but also esthetically. The resulting music is superbly melodic, deeply lyrical and serene, immediately touching upon the innermost string of the listener´s soul.
Overall, the album presents a deeply moving musical experience, which combines great musicianship and excellent compositions. The virtuosic performances by both musicians are beyond reproach and guitar lovers (especially those interested in steel guitar and slide guitar sound) will be completely overwhelmed by what this album has to offer. Both musicians have to be praised for taking a bold, unconventional step towards uncharted territory. Wholeheartedly recommended and definitely worth the effort of grabbing a copy of this beauty at the earliest convenience. Delightful stuff!
| | Updated: 13/08/2022Posted: 13/08/2022 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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