BERITS HALSBAND

4.5 stars. Man this album really speaks to me with that melancholic vibe and the strong jazz flavour. It's pretty cool that multi- instrumentlist Tommy Adolfsson from ARCHIMEDES BADKAR is here playing trumpet but we also get another trumpet player plus a sax man. The flute, guitar and trumpet tend to lead the way here and the guitar really adds a lot to the sound in my opinion along with the electric piano with this nine piece band.

"Myror I Koket" is such a great opener starting off slow with clashing cymbals and a bass line before the drums and guitar join in as it slowly builds. The electric piano sounds really good as it joins in as well. A horn comes in soloing over top then he stops as the guitar takes a turn 3 1/2 minutes in. I really enjoy the sound here. It settles back 5 1/2 minutes in as the flute joins in. The guitar starts to make some noise before 7 minutes as the flute continues. Just tripping along here then it picks up again after 10 1/2 minutes with horns leading the way.

"Elhamokk" is the only song that doesn't do much for me. It's different from the rest in that it's uptempo and brighter but I prefer the Swedish melancholy of the other three tracks. Flute, horns, bass and drums to start but it's that horn led melody that I'm not into that comes and goes. The best part for me is when the flute leads 7 minutes in with the drums and electric piano shining for me as well. That horn led melody is back quickly though to end it.

"Halvvags Hildur" is almost 19 minutes of amazing music bringing Miles Davis to mind. A bass intro as cymbals and atmospheric keys help out. It kicks in around a minute with drums. Great sound as the flute also joins in. A definite Miles vibe here. Horns at 2 1/2 minutes then the guitar kicks in sounding incredible soloing over top. Trumpet before 5 1/2 minutes as we trip along. Check it out 8 1/2 minutes in, so good! The electric piano starts to lead then it trades off with the guitar before 11 minutes. A change 12 minutes in as it seems like they are starting over again. Bass and drums lead as the flute comes in. Horns replace the flute as the electric piano also joins in. I love the guitar after 14 minutes as well and every time it shows up the rest of the way.

"Flaxoras Hemliga Aterkommst" reminds me of the opening track with that Swedish melancholy. Atmosphere, cymbals and a bass line to start then the horns come in blasting over top as the flute also helps out. Love that constant bass line though. The guitar comes and goes as well. Love the mood here and the way the lead instruments keep taking turns leading.

Without that one song I'd be giving this 5 stars for sure. I'm just a sucker for melancholic music with a jazz flavour. I'm so impressed with this release. It was re-issued on cd in 2015 by the way. A must!