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Jakob Norgren Jazz Orchestra: Pathfinding
ByThough Norgren also plays the clarinet here, his major contribution remains as a composer and arranger leaving the bulk of the soloing leads to Kullhammar with spot solos from other members of the band. The opening title track sets the band on a swinging path with a modern twist featuring a short baritone burst from Norgren, expanded tenor solos by Kullhammar and a lively trombone joust from Mats Aleklnit.
The down tempo flugelhorn of Jonne Bentlov and the unusual jazz bassoon performed by saxophonist Kai Sundquist, lead the music on the following "Some Kind of Dancing" which departs from the swinging nature of the opener and provides a more melancholy sound. Norgren takes to the contra alto clarinet establishing the main theme of the sprite and splashy "Serendipity," which also features a steamy alto saxophone solo by Peter Fredman followed by more of Kullhammar on one of his brightest solos of the recording.
There's a slight New Orleans groove penned into the original "Parade" featuring a musical dialogue between trombonist Aleklint and the featured tenor soloist in a delicious lobbying back and forth keeping one engaged. The album concludes with a two-part suite entitled "Secret Walks, Part 1" and "Secret Walks, Part 2," which features more of a modern, non-traditional jazz orchestrations fitting within the main theme of the album.
As musical debuts go, Jakob Norgren and his Orchestra have chosen the modern route to fine big band music with Pathfinding, marking a "True North" direction to superb, sophisticated ensemble music that leave the old traditions behind and charts a new path for big band jazz.
Track Listing
Pathfinding; Some Kind Of Dancing; Serendipity; Parade; Secret Walks, Part 1; Secret Walks, Part 2.
Personnel
Jakob Norgren, Jonas Kullhammar, Peter Friedman, Lina Lövstrand, Kai Sundquist, Christian Herluf Pedersen: reeds; Fredrik Oscarsson, Jonne Bentlöv, David Ljunggren, Oscar Lindblom: trumpets; Mats Äleklint, Michael Rörby, Johan Åström, Klas Eriksson: trombones; Mathias Lundquist: piano; Lars Ekman: bass; Isak Andersson: drums.
Album information
Title: Pathfinding | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Wime Records