Record Reviews
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  | JORGEN KROGER MATHISEN ~ COLLETT COLLECTIVE
SMEIK 211 (Barcode: 612608050471) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz violinist / composer Jorgen Kroger MathisenFind albums by this artist recorded with a core ensemble comprising of guitarists Martin NodelandFind albums by this artist and Arne Martin NyboFind albums by this artist, well-known pianist Olga KonkovaFind albums by this artist, bassist Alexander HoholmFind albums by this artist and drummers Lars TaklaFind albums by this artist and Raymond LavikFind albums by this artist as well as a large group of supporting musicians, with appear on selected tracks, which includes the exceptional vocalist Karoline WallaceFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by the leader (assumedly, as nothing is stated on the album’s artwork about it, or even the fact that he plays the violin. The recording date is also missing, the track counter insists on seven tracks and the album is a CD-R – the SmeikFind albums on this label record label is just starting, hopefully learning on the fly).
The music moves between highly melodic mainstream Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion and flirts with Prog and Folklore. The melodies are very lyrical and somewhat melancholic, but the music flows coherently and offers a good variety of moods and a pleasant listening experience.
The instrumental performances are all excellent, with splendid harmonic accompaniment by Konkova and fiery guitar work, which pulls the music towards Fusion. The leader plays acoustic violin, which adds a nice romantic touch to the proceedings and round up the overall sound.
Overall, this album reflects the strength of the young Norwegian Jazz scene, which is flourishing in the last decade and these well-educated and highly talented musicians will be the future leaders of the pack. The album offers excellent music and great performances, and is definitely worth checking out!
| | Updated: 05/09/2021Posted: 05/09/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAGNUS MURPHY JOELSON & OJKOS ~ NOE GOY PA M(ETAMORFOSIS)
SMEIK 215 (Barcode: 612608050532) ~ NORWAY ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2024
This is an album by Norwegian Jazz trombonist / composer Magnus Murphy JoelsonFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Oslo based Big Band OJKOSFind albums by this artist, a sixteen-piece ensemble. The album presents eleven tracks, which include three stand-alone pieces and two lengthy suites, one two-part and another six-part. All the music was composed by Joelson.
The music is melody based, but quite complex and intricate, requiring attentive listening and patience. The Big Band is often playing many parallel parts, which makes things even more difficult to grasp and the frequent rhythm changes add additional spicing. In short this is definitely challenging music, but at the same time fascinating and highly rewarding.
In many respects this music reflects the modern European approach to Big Band music, which is drastically different from the American Big Band tradition. The music is based on creating an orchestral sound build on many diverse themes played in parallel and instruments plying individually, rather than the expected unified, clearly ordered, often unisono effect. The result, although obviously more complex and multi-layered, is infinitely more sophisticated, interesting and stimulating.
The vibrant young Norwegian Jazz scene is depicted here in its full glory and it is only natural for me to keep a close eye on what is happening there, which helps me to discover frequently pleasant surprises, like this one.
Overall, this is a highly unusual, striking Jazz Big Band album, which keeps the listener on edge for the entire duration. It is warmly recommended to Big Band music lovers, who are looking for some more challenging music in that genre. Although the music is not close to the Nordic sound, one expects to hear from Norwegian musicians, this makes things even more exciting. This is truly brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 13/04/2024Posted: 13/04/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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