Record Reviews

MICHAEL BLOCH ~ CIRCULAR CHANGES AMP 017 (Barcode: 662578831112) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the second album by Norwegian pianist / composer Michael BlochFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten pieces, nine of which are originals by Bloch and one is a standard. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo. The music is melodic mainstream piano trio Jazz, lyrical and romantic, obviously designed to be pleasing and entertaining, without any compromise as far as the Jazz aesthetics is concerned. The beautiful melodies are carefully woven and put together to present a consistent and coherent program, which is a showcase of elegance and finesse. The execution is also perfectly suited for the delicate nature of the music, with superb interplay between the trio members, which results in the trio sounding as a cohesive whole rather than being a gathering of three individual players. Bloch is wonderfully fluid, with great dynamics, which range from gentle touches of the keyboard to energetically swinging chords. His solo piano treatment of the standard is a classic showcase of piano artistry. Berg fills the bottom and harmonizes perfectly with the piano, playing several excellent bass solos along the way. Thoren moves the music ahead energetically, but gently without being obtrusive. Altogether this is archetypal example of what piano trio Jazz is all about. For piano trio Jazz connoisseurs this album is a must of course, not only because it offers excellent music, but also because it sounds absolutely wonderful as far as the recording quality is concerned. It allows the listener to relax and let the music take charge, embarking on a wonderful journey. Great gift for the long cold winter nights ahead of us!

Updated: 31/10/2017Posted: 31/10/2017

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MICHAEL BLOCH ~ FIRST LIGHT AMP 003 (Barcode: 662578830955) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by Norwegian pianist / composer Michael BlochFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Frode BergFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten pieces, nine of which are original compositions by Bloch and one is a standard. The music is an excellent example of beautiful modern mainstream piano Jazz, strongly influenced by classic Jazz tradition, such as the work of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, and yet definitely strongly individual and unique to stand on its own. The wonderful Evans´ lyricism and flow are certainly there, but so are traces of many other influences, including Nordic melancholy and European impressionism. The level of the compositions is excellent and consistently coherent, which in the naked piano trio environment is an essential ingredient of the music´s overall impact. The playing is also exceptional, with Bloch displaying the quality of a mature and rounded pianist, despite his relatively young age. His dynamics and sensitivity are fond reminders of the great classic pianists of the times long gone. The excellent rhythm section supports the leader amicably and with great respect, doing exactly what is required in such setting. Berg stands shoulder to shoulder with Bloch, playing the bass pulsations harmoniously and rhythmically optimized to each of the tunes. Thoren, like all great drummers, is extremely delicate and considerate, staying respectfully in the background, subtly laying down the rhythmic tracks, being heard exactly when his presence is required and taking a step back when the music calls for it. Overall this is a superb debut effort and a must have for all piano trio connoisseurs, who should love this stuff to bits, especially since the album is also excellently recorded and offers a superb sound quality. Being definitely a foreteller of great things to come, this album is wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 20/10/2017Posted: 20/10/2017

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IVAN MAZUZE ~ UBUNTU LOSEN 139 (Barcode: 7090025831393) ~ NORWAY ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2014 - 2015 Released: 2015 This is the third album by Mozambique born and resident in Norway saxophonist Ivan MazuzeFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quintet which also includes guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist, pianists Michael BlochFind albums by this artist or Sifiso MakalistaFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter NdlalaFind albums by this artist and drummer Frank PacoFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original tunes, ten of which were composed by Mazuze and two were co-composed by him and Bloch. The music, although obviously influenced by African, Caribbean and other World Music influences, is mostly Smooth Jazz oriented, with slick saxophone licks dominating the proceedings. The ethnic ingredients are mostly felt in the rhythmic layer of the music, and they are very "well behaved" if not to say tamed and become a flavor rather than the essence. As a result the music has mostly an entertaining value. Mazuze has a beautiful tone, especially on the soprano saxophone, and plays some nice flute solos. The accompanying musicians are all professionals; Young plays a few nice solos, but those do not step outside of the overall formula of this album, Ndlala has a great groove feel and the other just do what is expected of them. There is of course nothing wrong with staying on the easy side of the Jazz idiom and many listeners enjoy such music immensely, but it is definitely not for the core of Jazz connoisseurs. Overall this is a well played Smooth Jazz album with nice tunes which sounds best while driving a fast car on a California highway…

Updated: 17/02/2016Posted: 17/02/2016

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