If someone asked me what's the best jazz album ever recorded in Europe, the answer would've been quick and easy, "JAZZ AT THE POWNSHOP". If you asked me why, there are at least a dozen reasons. To start with, the musicians are world class, specially Arne Domnerus (Alto Sax & Clarinet), a musician whose inspiration comes from a source halfway between Johnny Hodges and Chyarlie Parker, he has the grace of a butterfly and the sting of a bee, then you have Lars Erstrand (Vibes), creator of a unique atmosphere in this album, a footstep follower of Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson, he balances perfectly between rhythm and lyricism, and last but not least Bengt Hallberg (Piano), Gerg Riedel (Bass) and Egil Johansen (Drums).
Then there is the repertoir starting from the early 20's and finishes in the mainsteam Jazz era with standards like Paul Desmond's "TAKE FIVE", Hawkins' "STUFFY", Goodmans' "LIMEHOUSE BLUES", Hodges' "JEEP'S BLUES" and a piece like "I'M CONFESSIN", played by every well respected Jazz musician ever since. Doc Dogherty and Ellis Reynolds agreed on it, in the 1930. Each of these pieces and more, is remarkably performed, another fact that shows the strength of this Quintet.
The third element that makes this work so extraordinary is the POWNSHOP it'self, situated at the old city of Stockholm, a cosy music Pub with a remarkable atmosphere redolent of beer and improvisation, medieval history and ancient timber. You see, if you want to create a great wine, you need an old barrel.
I will let you discover the other nine reasons and maybe more, to love this album.
Κυρ Ιουλ 05, 2009 9:41 pm
