Jonas Hellborg, Shawn Lane, Jeff Sipe: Temporal Analogues of Paradise (2003)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: July 25, 2003

Jonas Hellborg, Shawn Lane, Jeff Sipe: Temporal Analogues of Paradise

One could conceivably reason that Jonas Hellborg's Temporal Analogues of Paradise was merely a retro exercise in mid-'70s flabby musical excess, as the live release, recorded in Europe in 1995, includes only two, 25-minute plus pieces. Having listened to hours of such music, I would characterize this disc a bit differently. These two long pieces come closest, in an electric way, of approximating Keith Jarrett's Köln Concert.

Each, in rather similar ways, allows improvisation to unfold patiently and carefully, never rushed and always sounding as if cogently composed ahead of time.

Hellborg directs the recital, recorded in Sweden, France, and Germany, with his metallic bass tone and simple yet inviting melodic lines, allowing guitarist Shawn Lane and Drummer Jeff Sipe to fill in the missing colors as they see fit. The final piece of art is an often-complex mosaic of polyphony and polyrhythms that seem perfect at the moment of conception. Hellborg has always possessed a rugged masculinity in his approach to playing. Here, he flexes his muscles and with the band collectively shows off their considerable chops. I do not know if I would call this rock or jazz-fusion, but I do know that this will appeal to both camps. As a re-issue, this is a sonic gift.

Track Listing: First Movement; Second Movement

Personnel: Jonas Hellborg: bass; Shawn Lane: guitars; Jeff Sipe: drums and percussion.

Record Label: Bardo Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream