Joel Palsson: Prim

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: March 1, 2000

One doesn’t normally associate the North Atlantic country of Iceland with jazz music, yet saxophonist Joel Palsson along with his fellow Icelandic musicians turn in an above average exhibition on Prim. Mr. Palsson leads a hip Quintet through a series of predominately post bop/contemporary and slightly rough edged original compositions as the band display razor-sharp improvisational prowess along with generally up-tempo performances featuring guitarist Hilmar Jensson and others. Palsson exhibits a good deal of fire and tenacity, mainly while performing on tenor sax, as his schooling at the Berklee College of Music and tutelage with highly respected jazz saxophonist George Garzone pays some noticeable dividends. Besides the brawny soloing and inspired ensemble work, the material presented throughout may not impart a lasting impression although, there are numerous bright moments which includes Palsson’s impressive flair for the dynamic and tight, glistening choruses by the band. However, Joel Palsson may be one to watch while also serving as a fine, upstanding jazz ambassador for the tiny country of Iceland!

Personnel: Joel Palsson; Tenor & Soprano Sax: Hilmar Jensson; Guitar: Eythor Gunnarsson; Piano: Gulli Gudmundsson; Bass: Einar Scheving; Drums: Matthias Hemstock; Drums (selected tracks): Sigurdur Flosason; Alto Sax, Bass Clarinet (selected tracks).

Record Label: Naxos
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream