Jakob Bro: December Song

Modern Jazz / Indie Jazz
premiera polska: 2021-10-25
kontynent: Europa
kraj: Dania
opakowanie: Jewelcaseowe etui
opis:
multikulti.com * * * * *
Ostatnia część trylogii duńskiego gitarzysty, tak jak dwie poprzednie nagrana została w legendarnym nowojorskim Avatar Studios, w grudniu 2012. Po "Balladeering" i "Time" przyszedł czas na "December Song".
Dwie pierwsze płyty powstały przy współudziale Paula Motiana, jednego z najsłynniejszych i najbardziej wpływowych jazzowych perkusistów, który stworzył dwie absolutnie wyjątkowe sekcje rytmiczne, pierwszą ze Scottem LaFaro w trio Billa Evansa, drugą z Charlie'm Hadenem w amerykańskim kwartecie Keitha Jarretta. Jakob Bro wymyślił swoją trylogię właśnie w takiej, transatlantyckiej obsadzie. Przed nagraniem trzeciej płyty Paul Motian zmarł (22 listopada w wieku 80 lat). Rok później Jakob Bro, Bill Frisell, Lee Konitz, Craig Taborn i Thomas Morgan weszli do Avatar Studios i nagrali nowy materiał, który znalazł się na dedykowanej pamięci Motiana "December Song".

Słuchając wszystkich trzech płyt wyraźnie słychać, że muzycy zbudowali most łączący tradycję i współczesność. Ponadgeneracyjne i ponadkulturowe porozumienie ma tutaj niemalże ezoteryczny charakter. Wydaje się, że od pierwszej płyty muzycy kierują się pragnieniem zaczarowania czasu, zatrzymania go, związanego z poczuciem jego nieodwracalności. Czy im się ta sztuka udała, oceńcie państwo sami. Ja nie mam wątpliwości.

Osiem autorskich kompozycji Bro, osiem misteryjnych form wypełnionych duchową siłą muzyków. Już od pierwszego utworu wchodzimy w świat subtelnych barw i ciszy. Tak jest do końca, Bro z kolegami przenoszą słuchacza w sferę oniryczną – intymną, przestrzeń onirycznych ogrodów. I robią to tylko za pomocą muzyki!
autor: Mateusz Krępski
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jazzwrap.blogspot.com:
With December Song, Jakob Bro concludes a wonderful trilogy that started in 2008 with Balladerring and then Time in 2011. A beautiful and melodic tribute to one his mentors, the late Paul Motain, December Song is another shinning document in the growth of an very subtle yet expressive voice, Bro has become over the last decade.

"Giant" flows heavy and effectively on the notes of Konitz and Bro. But the addition of Taborn adds a complexity that give the atmospherics of Bro's playing more dynamics and experimentation. "Zygaena" and "Tree House" are similar to compositions from Balladerring and Time yet still show the growing aspects of Bro's writing after all these years. Both consist of lush, gentle tones that highlight the weaving patterns of Bro's guitar and Americana themes laid out by Frisell. But as always, Bro turns both pieces into a kind of journey that is rich and imaginable.

"Risskov" and "Vinterhymne" have folkish qualities that both romantic and dream-like. The compositions are like lullabies. "Risskov" is highlighted by Konitz's bold horn and Bro's subtle yet captivating notes. Quiet and short notes that linger with each echoing tone. "Vinterhymne" is more a drifting piece with images that fade that softly in the distant sunset. A wonderful closing number and longing gesture to one of his mentors.

December Song is again another statement of powerful creativity from a composer and performer who seems to be prime, prolific form at the moment. I try every chance I get to tell as many people about Jakob Bro. I'm hoping that an album such as December Song can do it all without me screaming to the hilltops. It's that beautiful and that good. One of my favourite albums of the year. And I already have a small list of them (Jason Moran/Charles Lloyd, MOPDTK, Sunna Gunnlaugs, Soren Gemmer and Soren Dahl Jeppesen to make the short list). But Jakob Bro always seems to make that list. Highly, Highly Recommended!
by Stephan Moore

All About Jazz * * * * 1/2:
December Song is the final part of a trilogy which started with Balladeering (2009) and continued with Time (2011). It started with the fivesome of Jakob Bro himself, Bill Frisell, Lee Konitz, Ben Street and the late Paul Motian. When Time was recorded in September 2011 at Avatar, Thomas Morgan subbed for Ben Street. Paul Motian could not make it anymore. He passed away soon after. Notwithstanding he can be sensed on both Time and December Song very clearly. To fulfill the mission, pianist Craig Taborn been invited for the third part.

Konitz's voice not just fits in in this musical context; it that makes him sound at his best. It seems he himself is the one surprised most about it, surprised also about what he is doing: "I spent my whole life being influenced by Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano, Lester Young and all the great jazz players and all of a sudden I play whole notes and half notes and chord progressions and I don't know why. It's not folk music, it's not jazz, it's not pop music, it's not funk, you know, it's just balladeering or whatever."

Bro's and Frisell's wonderfully intertwined guitar-lines undulate like Möbius strips in ever changing shadings. It is amazing how Konitz comes in from time to time, how his sound arises from the gently undulating guitar sounds, how he transcends it and makes the song sing. His now and then brittle sound is an ideal medium here. Thomas Morgan's extraordinary bass-playing anchors and raises the whole by very well chosen countering, topping and elongating accents. Brilliantly he focuses on melody and form and keeps the space open by putting in his very own exclamation marks. In certain respect his remarkable new way of playing reverses and redefines the role of the bass. He is the one who has played the longest with Jakob Bro. Both know each other from the bands of Paul Motian. They have developed a highly refined form of mutual understanding which is an important cornerstone of the album's music.

From the outside view it is hard to imagine there is still place for a piano- voice to contribute in a significant way. That is exactly what is happening here, however, and few will be able to use the inherent possibilities as carefully and well as Taborn is able to do with his absolute orientation on sound and shape. Together they dig up treasures and let them shine. Bro's lines prosper by generosity and alertness of all musicians.

Bro and Co. go on where Carla Bley's legendary "Utviklingssang"(Social Studies , WATT 1981) once left. In Bley's piece, and on a larger scale in Bro's trilogy, deeper properties of Scandinavian song are manifestated and reflected. Bro discovered it by himself and found the confidence not only to stick with the essence but also to let it unfold freely. December Song is not just more of the same but opens up a still broader spectrum on a higher level.
By Henning Bolte

muzycy:
Jakob Bro: guitar
Bill Frisell: guitar
Lee Konitz: alto saxophone
Craig Taborn: piano
Thomas Morgan: bass

utwory:
1. Laxness 6:37
2. Giant 6:26
3. Zygaena 4:43
4. Tree House 6:45
5. Lys 3:40
6. Kong Oscar 5:24
7. Risskov 8:04
8. Vinterhymne 5:12

total time - 46:46
wydano: Oct 1, 2013
nagrano: Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York City in December 2012

more info: www.lovelandrecords.dk
more info2: www.jakobbro.com