Record Reviews

ASMUNDSEN & CO ~ PASTOR`N LOSEN 167 (Barcode: 7090025831676) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is an album by a Norwegian Jazz quintet called Asmundsen & CoFind albums by this artist, led by female bassist Tine AsmundsenFind albums by this artist, which also includes two further Norwegian Jazz veterans: saxophonist Vidar JohansenFind albums by this artist and pianist Rune KlakeggFind albums by this artist, and two younger players: trumpeter Magnus Aannestad OsethFind albums by this artist and drummer Terje EngenFind albums by this artist. The album is a tribute to the music of the legendary Norwegian pianist / composer Einar IversenFind albums by this artist, and the quintet performs eleven of Iversen´s beautiful original compositions, composed between 1999 and 2009, arranged by the quintet members. The music was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist presiding at the console. The music is melodic mainstream European Jazz, based on solid compositions and flawless execution by the participating musicians. The quality of the tunes is consistently excellent and the harmonic approach is elegant and pleasant. Although not breaking any new ground, this music should satisfy all mainstream Jazz connoisseurs and is an excellent example of European musicians playing mainstream Jazz as good if not better than their colleagues across the pond. Combined with the superb sound quality, this is definitely something many Jazz listeners will love dearly. This album is also an important tribute to the history of Norwegian Jazz, and for people who follow the Nordic scene in general and Norwegian scene in particular it is a keystone recording as such.

Updated: 02/10/2017Posted: 02/10/2017

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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

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