Record Reviews

AUDUN TRIO ~ RONDANE LOSEN 191 (Barcode: 7090025831911) ~ NORWAY ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by young Norwegian Jazz piano trio called Audun TrioFind albums by this artist, which comprises of pianist Audun Barsten JohnsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Hakon Norby BjorgoFind albums by this artist and drummer Magnus Sefaniassen EideFind albums by this artist. It presents eight original compositions, six of which were composed by Johnsen and two co-composed by him. The music is very melodic, uncomplicated and unpretentious, bordering on Smooth Jazz, but at the same time it manages not to cross over to kitsch and maintains an aesthetic consistency which makes it definitely worthy of listening to. Johnsen uses a plethora of effective tricks of the trade, like dramatic chords, arpeggios and almost theatrical climaxes to keep things interesting, but again all within the limits of good taste. His playing is influenced by Classical music much more than by the Jazz tradition, but combined with the solid work by the rhythm section the result is entertaining. This is something for listeners who delight in the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, which is easy to like and does not cause unnecessary headaches; great for cocktail parties and other social functions. It is also an interesting example of the diversity of the Jazz idiom.

Updated: 02/01/2018Posted: 02/01/2018

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NILASALIN ~ NILASALIN AMP 021 (Barcode: 662578831150) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz quintet NilasaliNFind albums by this artist, which consists of trombonist Nils Andreas GransethFind albums by this artist, guitarist Magnus Jonnum GrimnesFind albums by this artist, pianist Martin Sandvik GjerdeFind albums by this artist, bassist Stian Andreas Egeland AndersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Magnus Sefaniassen EideFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, seven composed by Granseth and one each by Andersen, Gjerde and Grimnes. The music is a highly melodic modern European Jazz, with an unusual trombone / guitar front line, which creates a unique ambience. As it often happens with Norwegian bands, the wonderful calm and minimalistic atmosphere presides over the entire proceeding, with every note played exactly in its proper place and perfectly in harmony with everything else that is happening around. Introvert and melancholic, the beautiful melodies develop slowly and reveal layer after layer of harmonic aesthetics. The individual performances by the quintet members are also superb from start to finish. Granseth, who obviously steers the music and is the main soloist, has an exquisite trombone sound, round and velvety, which in spite of its limitations proves to be completely in charge and able to play anything between long melodic lines and virtuosic arpeggios, when appropriate. Grimnes plays very tasty licks and manages to stay within the Jazz idiom, avoiding the Fusion excursions. Gjerde is wonderfully dynamic and plays excellent accompaniment behind the soloists as well as splendid solos. Andersen builds a solid layer upon which the music slides forward effortlessly, always there at the right time, with round and confident pulsations. Eide stays most of the time in the background, with his delicate but sophisticated rhythmic support, which is ideal for this music. Overall this is an astounding debut album, full of superb music and exquisite performances, which offers an unusual sound ambience and continues the Nordic Jazz tradition at its best. The elegance, sophistication and class present herein are simply mind blowing. The album was exceptionally recorded and the sound quality is simply breathtaking. This is definitely one of the best albums that landed on my desk so far in 2018 and to my adversaries I say again – this blows most ECMFind albums on this label albums out of the window, just listen!

Updated: 07/04/2018Posted: 07/04/2018

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