Jazz
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Release date: 17.03.2023
Very mellow. Very ECMism. Stenson actually has no writing credits on any of the nine tracks one of which is credited to Jean Sibelius.
The trio take an extremely laid back approach in terms of tempo and atmosphere but the music itself delves into the atonality of the avant garde but never feels like it’s looking for resolution. It’s as if it’s just having a look around, perhaps in a war museum devoid of graphic imagery.
The reason why this is really good music is because how rich and dense this atmosphere actually is. It’s very engrossing and absorbing. It is extremely successful at setting the mood. If it’s in the background you’re back there with it. And the musicians are so religiously faithful to their roles every note and every drum beat (Jon Fält is fabulous by the way) compliments the music and not the ego. There’s also a very appropriate homage to Ives that captures the seriousness of his style in a way that for some reason always seems lost when his music becomes the subject. There’s still an obsession with his unorthodoxy at the expense of understanding that he wasn’t merely iconoclastic but also deeply concerned with beauty. But there’s no beauty shortage here.
Warmth Highest 