Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Svein Rikard Mathisen: Copenhagen Diaries
Svein Rikard Mathisen: Copenhagen Diaries
ByMathisen core quartet feature Swedish pianist William Larsson and double bassist Paul Hinz and Danish drummer Andreas Fryland, supported on three pieces by Danish saxophonist Aske Drasbæk and on two pieces by Norwegian vocalist Maylen Rusti. Mathisen, who also plays in the Norwegian funk-fusion outfit Ninjabeat, has a mature and commanding sound of his own, rooted in the American school of jazz guitar, echoing at times early Pat Metheny and the singing voicing of Ben Monder. His intricately crafted, original compositions flow with fast shifting, inventive ideas that gravitate toward complex harmonic structures, always suggesting a strong melodic vein and always revolving around tight and emphatic interplay.
"Nightmares" is the the most arresting composition. Slowly sketching a fragile, emotional territory, intensified by the gentle wordless vocals of Rusti and the whispering sax of Drasbæk. Mathisen leading guitar hints about the inner turmoil with a reserved, gentle voice. His affinity with pianist Larsson is highlighted in their beautiful duo "Hedmark," referring to the Eastern part of Norway where Mathisen was born. This strong affinity is later cemented also on the moving ballad, "A moon on a sunny day."
A promising debut.
Track Listing
Obstruction; Who broke the bat?; Pheasant cookin´; Nightmares; Hedmark; Vanity; A moon on a sunny day; New beginnings; I guess seeing one more episode won't hurt anyone.
Personnel
Svein Rikard Mathisen
guitar, electricSvein Rikard Mathisen: guitar; William Larsson: Piano; Paul Hinz: Double bass; Andreas Fryland: Drums; Aske Drasbæk (4,6,9): alto saxophone; Maylen Rusti: vocals (4,9).
Album information
Title: Copenhagen Diaries | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Curling Legs
Comments
About Svein Rikard Mathisen
Instrument: Guitar, electric
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To