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Randal Despommier: A Midsummer Odyssey
ByThat originating piece "Danny's Dream" is covered here. The ballad is the Swedish equivalent to John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman's slow burning recording of "My One And Only Love" from 1963. That furtive Swedish-ness is evident throughout. Gullin's "Toka Voka Oka Boka," with Monder playing the bass line, awakens memories of the theme song to the 1970's TV series The Odd Couple. It is, though, taken from a Swedish folk melody, as is much of Gullin's music. That theme appears again with "I Hope It's Spring for You," a composition written for a Swedish television series. One with lyrics written by Chan Parker, Charlie Parker's partner.
Despommier's tone is lush throughout. Playing in unison with Monder on "BBC Blues" and "Igloo" the pair begin together before dancing loops and swirls around the melodies. The saxophonist's gentle touch is seductive, whether he is filtering the blues, a Brazilian sound ("I Min Smala Säng"), or a waltz ("Dyningar.") This music is irresistible.
Track Listing
Toka Voka Oka Boka; Igloo; Danny's Dream; BBC Blues; Mazurka; Dyningar; Silhouette; I Min Smala Säng; I Hope It's Spring for You.
Personnel
Randal Despommier
saxophoneBen Monder
guitarAlbum information
Title: A Midsummer Odyssey | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records
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About Randal Despommier
Instrument: Saxophone
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