Fredrik Nordström: Big Band Stories

To describe this record as an intimate big band recording is not to state an oxymoron. Saxophonist, composer and arranger Fredrik Nordström has taken this large-scale format (17 musicians) and made a very personal statement. Big Band Stories is a bit of a departure for the Swedish saxophonist best known for his work in quintet, octet and his Dolores Quartet which released Dolores: One (2021) and Dolores: Two (2021) on his own Bluenord Record label.

Nordström did produce a previous big band outing, the two disc Vibb (Moserobie, 2007). Returning from that prior recording are saxophonist Alberto Pinton and bassist Filip Augustson. Among other superb musicians, we also hear Swedish stars Per "Texas" Johansson and pianist Torbjörn Gulz. Nordström was quoted in his previous large ensemble release, "music is supposed to be a living art, no matter if it's called jazz or anything else." Indeed, this music lives as Nordström's arrangements give his compositions the required space to breathe. This is evident in each track. For instance, "See You At Babas" weaves Linnea Jonsson's trumpet, Agnes Darelid's trombone, and Augustson's bass solo through an exquisite and very delicate arrangement for such a large gathering. Same can be said for "Enyaw" with Johansson's clarinet and Pinton's baritone saxophone negotiating another tranquil arrangement. Nordström's gift is his ability to leave space in this music for the solos to develop. "Everblue" presents a very sexy large ensemble sound that allows his tenor to take flight while gently bolstered by his backing band. While Nordström solos on six tracks, he also gives generous attention to the skilled ensemble players assembled and maybe it's the generosity of the arrangements the is explanation of the intimacy.

Comments