WAVES

This is one of old 'Terje's' jazzier releases. I still find it one of his best, if not 'the' best in the 6 albums I've heard by this talented Norwegian guitarist. It's all quite 'Weather Report' with that fret-less bass sound, but has a more European feel throughout.

The opener 'Per Ulv' has a great sense of production, where all instruments are heard very clearly. This is more than likely because he was on the classy 'ECM' label who barely put a foot wrong in engineering and recording techniques. Moments of amusement follow with a British 1970's quiz show theme with hilarious trumpets, it somehow remains cool, even in 2015. Still - it reminds me of 'Sale of the Century' and the early 'Blankety Blank' TV shows.

There's a nice feeling of relaxation which runs through this whole album. It's all very laid back and easy to take in one listen. Pleasant stuff indeed. Throughout 'Waves' Rypdal slowly plucks at electric guitar strings that are hugely reverbed and drawn out and sound far more modern than the year 1978 would suggest. 'Waves' makes good late night listening with lots of floating synths and sprinklings of soft percussion.

I'm sure I can subconsciously hear some good old ring modulators at play on some tracks which is always a good thing, especially on an unobtrusive jazz album.

Like all the recordings I've heard by Rypdal, this also is entirely instrumental and is no worse off for it. Vocals would only detract from the prettiness at play on this more than worthy album of Jazz Fusion. A sleepy drowse-fest.