EIVIND AARSET

Minimalist, or only modest?

I am a bit shocked to realize that it took a combined effort of 11 musicians - that include "only" three bass players - to create such little sound. Little surprise then that the bass tends to dominate, well, sort of.- if only because of the relative absence of the other instruments.

The end result is much closer to Bill Laswell doing his Industrial approach - in his sleep. The nature of this rather dark and gloomy offer could be described as sort of a chill-out after a heavy night, The odd muso briefly regaining consciousness and contrary to a massive hangover, still able to reach the nearest instrument - not necessarily their own...! .

There are brief burst of activity here and there, before the crew runs out of puff and falls into yet another cat nap. During these bursts - which are pretty good and slightly reminiscent of Miles Davis' rhythm section in the '70s - the listener can finally ascertain that there is indeed, a guitar player present. Come to think of it, the album is under his name after all, so he'd better join in!

But seriously, judging by the odd moment of activity, I have no doubt that the very same musicians could create masterpieces, At times a comparison with ECM releases wouldn't be out of place. The difference is that ECM produces "thinking man's", music whereas this album is closer to "sleeping men".

I am not at all convinced that over time this music would grow on me. Rather the opposite, so 3,5 at the most..

Eivind Aarset is possibly most interesting nu jazz Norwegian guitarist. Better know by his long lasting collaboration with one of the best progressive nu jazz musician his compatriot NP Molvaer, Aarset is very interesting and capable musician ,releasing his solo albums as well.

His new (live) album is very representative work - from very first sounds you will hear that very specific Nordic ambient atmosphere,so well known by Molvaer's early albums. Clear air, liquid aerial sound,slow dynamics - you're again in that fairy tale Nordic world. Trumpeter Gunnar Halle collaborates on this album, so in few moments you can even feel like listening Molvaer's music, but happily there are very few such moments on this album.

Started as very down tempo ambient sound, music step by step becomes more and more dense, and one moment you will hear some energetic guitar explosions. If before that moment music was more similar to Nordic post-rock (of Sigur Ros for example), even if drumming all the time is very jazzy, from active guitar explosions you are sure it's jazz fusion! Almost all this ambient figures are build by just Aarset's guitar as well.But in few really hot moments his guitar sounds as attacking jazz rock instrument there.

Comparing with quite similar by their atmosphere Molvaer's early works, this album contains less folksy Nordic beauty and more nerves and tension. Even darker moments sometimes. But in all, this music stays real Nordic one - clear, with very controlled emotional level and it's own cold elegance.

This album is recorded live but only signs of that are some applauses in few places. Really very gracious work, could be highly recommended in a pair with Molvaer's debut to every fan of modern Nordic jazz and everyone seeking for most interesting new trends in progressive jazz fusion.