Record Reviews

KARIN KROG ~ OSLO CALLING MEANTIME 14 (Barcode: 7051070000141) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is an album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Norwegian trio comprising of pianist Vigleik StoraasFind albums by this artist, bassist Bjorn AlterhaugFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom OlstadFind albums by this artist, collectively known as The Meantimes. Several guest appear on selected tracks, including British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist and the legendary sound engineer Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, who was also an accomplished guitarist. The album presents twelve tracks, two of which are original songs by Krog, two others are songs co-written by Storaas and Krog and the rest are standards. The album is a wonderful testimony of Krog’s love of the vocal Jazz idiom, which always reflects her incredible talent and her superb interaction with other musicians. Her treatment of Jazz standards is absolutely unique and instantly recognizable, and she has been one of my favorite Jazz vocalists since as long as I can remember. Overall, this is brilliant music, which deserves to be heard. Krog has very few competitors as a Jazz vocalist, with her idiosyncratic approach and incredible feel, and her superb recorded legacy accumulated over the years is a true treasure chest. This is an absolute must to vocal Jazz enthusiasts.

Updated: 19/08/2023Posted: 19/08/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

KARIN KROG / JOHN SURMAN ~ SONGS ABOUT THIS AND THAT MEANTIME 20 (Barcode: 7041880102029) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the third album (well third under the duo moniker but they recorded together many times over the years) by the fabulous duo of Norwegian vocalist / composer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist. This time they are accompanied by Norwegian musicians: guitarist Bjorn KlakeggFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Ivar KolveFind albums by this artist, bassist Terje GeweltFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom OlstadFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all co-composed by Krog and Surman. The music was recorded by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist at the Rainbow Studio in Oslo with the usual stunning sound quality. The music is wonderful, as always, but this time completely mainstream oriented. Krog sings the lyrics of the songs in a pretty straightforward manner, and Surman, who plays mostly baritone sax and bass clarinet, soloes beautifully, but conventionally, as do all the members of the band. For Krog and Surman followers this might come as a surprise, as their work together was mostly characterized by exploring the boundaries of the Jazz idiom. Having said that, this is still a most refined and wonderful musical experience, which offers a superb listening experience. All the instrumental performances are highly inspired and perfectly executed, and Krog’s idiosyncratic voice lost nothing of its beauty and charm over time, and she has few contenders as far as dramatic delivery is concerned. Overall the album is a beautiful gift of music, which is always welcome from these two great Artists. Back to the roots can be truly exciting, as this album convincingly proves!

Updated: 14/06/2021Posted: 14/06/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

KNUT RIISNAES ~ 2ND THOUGHTS LOSEN 146 (Barcode: 7090025831461) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 - 2016 Released: 2016 This is an album by veteran Norwegian saxophonist Knut RiisnaesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Anders AarumFind albums by this artist, bassist Jens FossumFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom OlstadFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight compositions, three of which are originals by Aarum, one is an original by Riisnaes, one is a composition by the Norwegian pianist Dag ArnesenFind albums by this artist and three are standards. Six of the tracks are studio recordings and two are live recordings. The music is all well within the melodic mainstream Jazz idiom, but the original compositions are all first-rate and far from trivial, which results in the album being a wonderful piece of classic conventional Jazz, splendidly executed by the musicians involved. Riisnaes (born 1945), who has been present on the local scene since the 1960s and who participated in numerous recording sessions, released only very few albums as a leader and this album is an important addition to his recorded legacy. His central role as one of the Godfathers of Norwegian Jazz is of course duly noted and this album proves that he still hasn´t lost his chops and can swing and improvise very impressively, maintaining his lovely tone. The accompanying musicians are representatives of the younger Norwegian Jazz generations, all being well educated and skilled, like all the European Jazz musicians today. Aarum emerges not only as a very skillful pianist (he participated in countless recordings already) but also as a gifted composer, with his tunes being all as good as the well known standards. The rhythm section is also first rate and support s the leader and the pianist amicably and with obvious expertise. Although this album does not break any new ground, it proves that European Jazz musicians can perform Bebop oriented material at least as skillfully as the musicians across the pond, usually doing it much more elegantly and inventively. For connoisseurs of classic Jazz, who are not familiar with the Norwegian scene, this album is a beautiful introduction to what the Norwegians are capable of in that particular area. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 28/01/2017Posted: 28/01/2017

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend