WAVES

Almost classic Terje Rypdal early album, influenced by jazz (from bop till free-jazz), soundtrack music, some exotic rhythms and some rock elements. With usual very atmospheric down tempo clear sound and some cool Nordic vibrations in space all around.

Terje plays with more or less his regular team, including great trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, whose participation on this album is very important. For late 70-s, this album contains some innovative technologies in jazz, combining very light drum machine rhythms with live drummer's work on some African rhythm structures. Another interesting thing - Mikkelborg's trumpet soloing. Being one of greatest names in Norways's trumpet school, and for years connected with German ECM label at the same time, it is not strange how his trumpet sounds on this recordings.

Very aerial, dreamy, cool - as from Nordic saga, but at the same time with light, but always presented Miles Davis legacy in sound. And - there I can clearly hear the roots of another generation's great Norwegian trumpeter - Nils Petter Molvaer, one of the greatest name in progressive nu.jazz.

Possibly one of most jazziest Terje album, it is one of his greatest works ever as well. With slight doze of melodic neo-classic ( or soundtracks sound from 60-s) sound, it stays very accessible, but complex and multilayered listening at the same time. Very recommended!

Really 4,5!