Record Reviews

RUNE KLAKEGG & SCHEEN JAZZORKESTER ~ FJON LOSEN 153 (Barcode: 7090025831539) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a beautiful album by Norwegian Jazz pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Rune KlakeggFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Scheen JazzorkesterFind albums by this artist, a regional orchestra comprising of thirteen players, of which Klakegg is the artistic director and pianist. The album presents six original compositions by Klakegg and one arrangement of a standard. Vibraphonist Rob WaringFind albums by this artist, a long time musical associate of Klakegg, appears as a guest and fourteenth orchestra member and vocalist Nina GromstadFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist presiding at the console, which of course means that the sound quality and clarity is exceptional. The music includes a collection of compositions by Klakegg, which have been assembled for a concert celebrating his sixtieth anniversary, and were consequently recorded for this album. The exquisite arrangements turn this music into a typical European large ensemble musical journey, which is as close to musical bliss as one ever gets. I have always been a sucker for the Big Band / Orchestral sound and therefore this album is an immediate favorite. Although the arrangements include solos on some of the tracks, the name of the game is the ensemble work and sound, with delicate, multilayered intricacies, which are revealed during consecutive listening sessions. Of course the arrangements have some relationship to the legacy of Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Maria SchneiderFind albums by this artist, but also European influences like George GruntzFind albums by this artist and Mathias RüeggFind albums by this artist come to mind. Most of the stunning melodic themes composed by Klakegg are melancholic and delightfully lyrical, with a certain touch of the Nordic elegance and majestic calmness. But the music on this album is full of internal dynamics and flows rapidly like the Norwegian streams originating in the ice caps. Having just returned from the magnificent Norwegian landscapes, this music invokes immediately the fresh memories and will probably remain associated with them forever. In many respects I could envisage this music as a soundtrack of a documentary about Norway´s spectacular beauty. For connoisseurs of Orchestral Jazz this album is an immediate classic, and as such deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. The elegance, modesty and discipline that this album presents is a model for all orchestral Jazz recordings and deserves to be taught at music academies as an example of good taste. Gorgeous stuff!

Updated: 12/08/2016Posted: 12/08/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

JOHN SURMAN ~ INVISIBLE THREADS ECM 2588 (Barcode: 602567113171) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is an album by iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Brazilian pianist / composer Nelson AyresFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Norway) vibraphonist Rob WaringFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Surman except one by Ayres. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and was engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. At the time of writing, this is the last album by Surman on the ECMFind albums on this label label, recorded almost five years ago. The music is almost a typical Surman signature, full of Nordic melancholy, British Folk references, highly lyrical and beautifully melodic. The minimalist trio format suits the music perfectly and the two companions are in complete blissful company with Surman’s long soprano and baritone saxophones and bass clarinet soli, which dominate the proceedings. The wonderfully serene atmosphere that prevails for the entire duration of the album is a soothing remedy for the dreadful noise that surrounds us in the contemporary life, and listening to this music is very much like a meditating session, which restores one’s balance. Surman is a brilliant composer and despite the fact that he recorded dozens of albums with his compositions, he manages to reinvent himself time after time, like a phoenix, fully ablaze in his Genius. Ayres, who is a brilliant pianist and a great composer / arranger, renowned for his Big Band recordings, stays very much in the background on this album, patiently and amicably accompanying Surman, who gets the spotlight, and the same can be said about Waring. The quite unusual sound of saxophone, piano and vibraphone / marimba proves to work out splendidly. Overall, this is another superb addition to Surman’s gorgeous recording legacy, which emphasizes his musical consequence and immense talents. For all his many followers, this is an absolute must have album, and needless to say we all hope for more albums to follow.

Updated: 27/03/2022Posted: 27/03/2022

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

JOHN SURMAN ~ WORDS UNSPOKEN ECM 2789 (Barcode: 602458620351) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2024 This is a studio album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader John SurmanFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with British guitarist Rob LuftFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Norway) vibraphonist Rob WaringFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Thomas StronenFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, engineered by Martin AbrahamsenFind albums by this artist, who replaced Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist following his demise. The album presents ten tracks, all of which are original compositions by Surman. The album reflects Surman’s long time connection with the Norwegian Jazz scene, not only as far as playing with Norwegian Jazz musicians and recording in Norway, but also his obvious affinity to the Nordic sound, which is particularly overwhelming on this album. The music is very melodic, but the compositions and instrumentations are minimalist, very subdued and reflective, creating a lethargic atmosphere, which is of course characteristic of the Nordic Jazz sound. But of course Surman’s recordings in the last couple of decades all had already this tendency, so the consequence is not very surprising. Surman is the dominating soloist and his absolute control of performance is phenomenal, completely untouched by the flow of time. The three accompanying musicians are masters of their trade, showing remarkable restrain and obvious respect towards the leader, leaving him in the spotlight at all time. Overall, this is another tour de force by the great Master, one of the greatest European Jazz musicians of all time, who seems to be unstoppable and still in perfect condition. We are extremely lucky to be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor for such a long period of time, and of course pray for more of such bliss to be sent upon us.

Updated: 20/04/2024Posted: 20/04/2024

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend