Record Reviews

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ LIBERIA BALLAD ARTOGRUSH 013 (Barcode: 5902693142690) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the fifth album by Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his OrionFind albums by this artist quartet, which also includes pianist Torbjorn GulzFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. Liberian vocalist Ernie BruceFind albums by this artist guest on the album and contributed the lyrics of the songs he performs. The album presents nine original compositions, five by Gulz, and two each by Hulten and Bruce. The album was recorded following the visit by the quartet in Liberia and meeting Bruce there. The music is obviously influenced to some degree by African motifs, but continues the path established by the earlier recordings of modern European Jazz, based on solid melodic themes, which serve as basis for the improvisations. The vocals are a new element and bring the music somewhat closer to the tradition, but do not change the quartet´s modus operandi of basic aesthetics dramatically. All four instrumentalists are experienced players and their performances are, as expected, perfect for the occasion. Both Hulten and Gulz offer superb soloing and the rhythm section drives the music forward with grace and effectiveness, also adding solo parts. The vocals are in a way less professional, but charming in their natural way and perfectly acceptable. The lengthy suite, which combines free improvisation and narration, and later develops into a blues, is very original and is one of the most interesting moments on the album. Overall this is an excellent album, which offers a genuine Jazz experience full of heartfelt musical statements, which should keep every Jazz connoisseur perfectly happy. As usual, wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 25/05/2020Posted: 25/05/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ MINUSGRADER ARTOGRUSH 012 (Barcode: 6420114013354) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the fourth album by the Swedish saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist and his OrionFind albums by this artist quartet, which also includes pianist Torbjorn GulzFind albums by this artist (a new member of the quartet), bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, three of which were composed by Hulten and two each by the remaining members of the quartet. The album celebrates the first decade of the quartet´s activity. The music remains faithful to the quartet´s past recordings, presenting melodic contemporary mainstream Jazz, with superbly crafted compositions and excellent performances. Clearly all four musicians are gifted composers and the tunes flow elegantly one after another, keeping the listener on his toes. Stylistically the music is closer to American Jazz than to the European aesthetics, which is hardly surprising since Swedish Jazz was always closer to the American roots than the rest of the Old Continent. Hulten, as always, charms the listener with his smooth tone and romanticism, carefully avoiding falling into the Smooth Jazz trap and proving not only his proficiency but also his inventiveness. Gulz flawlessly fills the piano chair, providing perfect harmonic accompaniment and wonderful soloing, which compliments Hulten´s playing perfectly. Augustson keeps the pulse of the music going steady and solos brilliantly and finally Danemo keeps the rhythmic layer ticking like clockwork, always delicately behind the rest of the players, strong enough to be felt but never being in the way. Overall this is again a wonderfully delightful album, which is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish, and which proves that mainstream Jazz is still a valid idiom in the hands of great musicians playing music by gifted composers. Definitely well done and warmly recommended!

Updated: 23/05/2019Posted: 23/05/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORJAN HULTEN / ORION ~ SHIFTING GROUND PROPHONE 308 (Barcode: 822359003309) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the sixth album by Swedish Jazz saxophonist / composer Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet called OrionFind albums by this artist, which includes also pianist Torbjorn GulzFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter DanemoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, one by Hulten, two by Gulz, three by Augustson and two by Danemo. The music is all within modern mainstream Jazz, based on solid, mostly very lyrical and melodic compositions, elegantly performed by the quartet. The “democratic” decision to allow all members of the quartet to offer their compositions pays off, as those are of the highest standard. The performances are also excellent, with Hulten displaying his highly polished saxophone fluidity, Gulz full of melancholy and tender piano phrasing and the rhythm section being highly supportive at all times. Overall, this is a very pleasant, elegant and delicate album, almost romantic at times, which offers a great listening experience away from the noise and tumult that surrounds us most of the time. With the excellent sound quality and superb performances, it is an island of sanity and pure unadulterated satisfaction. Well done!

Updated: 03/03/2023Posted: 03/03/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend