Record Reviews

STEINAR AADNEKVAM ~ FREEDOMS TRIO LOSEN 149 (Barcode: 7090025831492) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the fifth album by Norwegian guitarist / composer Steinar AadnekvamFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio setting with Brazilian bassist Rubem FariasFind albums by this artist and Mozambican drummer / vocalist Deodato SiquirFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original pieces, composed individually or in twosomes by the trio members. The music, as might be expected, is a Jazz-World Fusion extravaganza with the three musicians exchanging soaring licks and virtuosic passages, based on the melodic themes, which open each song. The music has a strong Brazilian feel, as most of the pieces incorporate typical Brazilian rhythmic patterns and melodic lines, but other World Music influences can also be discovered, such as certain Gypsy, African or Cuban elements. The vocal parts are characterized by the falsetto register, often encountered in African and Brazilian singers, and play only a secondary role in this music, which is mostly instrumental. Aadnekvam plays the guitar very skillfully and has a clearly defined unique approach to his instrument, playing chords and individual notes with the same proficiency. Farias is an extraordinary bassist, playing some of the most impressive electric bass notes since Jaco Pastorius. Although overall interesting and even exciting, the album suffers form a slight overdose of intensity, which at certain moments seems to be just a bit over the top. Exchanging neck-breaking staccato of guitar and bass notes is more a Jazz-Rock Fusion thing from the 1970s than a multiculti effort recorded today. I suspect this music is much more effective live than on a record. But overall this is certainly an album which Jazz-World Fusion fans should check out and which they will probably enjoy immensely.

Updated: 21/03/2016Posted: 21/03/2016

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