LARS DANIELSSON - Liberetto III
ACT Records 9840-2
Lars Danielsson, ( bs, cello, pno, wah wah cello, gimbri) Gregory Privat, (pno) John Parricelli, (gtr's) Magnus Ostrom (drs, perc). Guest Artists, Arve Henricksen, (tpt, vcl) Dominic Miller, (gtr) Hussam Aliwat, (oud) Bjorn Bohlin, (eng horn, oboe) Mathias Eick, (tpt)
Lars Danielsson is one of the cornerstone figures of European contemporary music as well as being a bass player and cellist of undoubted world class. This release finds him heading his core quartet for the third album in his "Liberetto" series, and for the twentieth time overall in a glittering career. The music here takes from many genres and moves in very many ways, enhanced by the well chosen guest artists performing a programme of both original and previously released pieces. The quartet have performed together numerous times during their five year history and not surprisingly have developed an almost telepathic musical understanding.
Having said that, the twelve pieces here, most of which are between three and six minutes in duration, create an atmosphere or ambiance rather than make firm musical statements. It sometimes reminds the listener of the Modern Jazz Quartet of old, with guests but minus Milt Jackson. The playing is of course perfect with the leaders dominant bass line and French pianist Gregory Privat's elegant style outstanding. There is melancholy but little drama although Bjorn Bohlin's English horn and oboe at times add interest. The brush work of ex EST drummer Magnus Ostrom is exquisite but he seems unable to express himself with normal aplomb when the heavier tools are at hand. You can think of the compositions on this set as brief sketches of what these top European players are capable of, rather than broad brush strokes of creativity. Two offerings do stand above the others, "Dawn Dreamer" has a well crafted folk influenced melody and a fine opening by Lars Danielsson this time from the piano. "Mr Miller" is an intriguing three way conversation between guests Dominic Miller on guitar, Mathias Eick's poignant trumpet and the leaders bass.
Nearly all the qualities of the ACT label's output are demonstrated on this release except perhaps for an element of excitement or profundity.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
ACT Records 9840-2
Lars Danielsson, ( bs, cello, pno, wah wah cello, gimbri) Gregory Privat, (pno) John Parricelli, (gtr's) Magnus Ostrom (drs, perc). Guest Artists, Arve Henricksen, (tpt, vcl) Dominic Miller, (gtr) Hussam Aliwat, (oud) Bjorn Bohlin, (eng horn, oboe) Mathias Eick, (tpt)
Lars Danielsson is one of the cornerstone figures of European contemporary music as well as being a bass player and cellist of undoubted world class. This release finds him heading his core quartet for the third album in his "Liberetto" series, and for the twentieth time overall in a glittering career. The music here takes from many genres and moves in very many ways, enhanced by the well chosen guest artists performing a programme of both original and previously released pieces. The quartet have performed together numerous times during their five year history and not surprisingly have developed an almost telepathic musical understanding.
Having said that, the twelve pieces here, most of which are between three and six minutes in duration, create an atmosphere or ambiance rather than make firm musical statements. It sometimes reminds the listener of the Modern Jazz Quartet of old, with guests but minus Milt Jackson. The playing is of course perfect with the leaders dominant bass line and French pianist Gregory Privat's elegant style outstanding. There is melancholy but little drama although Bjorn Bohlin's English horn and oboe at times add interest. The brush work of ex EST drummer Magnus Ostrom is exquisite but he seems unable to express himself with normal aplomb when the heavier tools are at hand. You can think of the compositions on this set as brief sketches of what these top European players are capable of, rather than broad brush strokes of creativity. Two offerings do stand above the others, "Dawn Dreamer" has a well crafted folk influenced melody and a fine opening by Lars Danielsson this time from the piano. "Mr Miller" is an intriguing three way conversation between guests Dominic Miller on guitar, Mathias Eick's poignant trumpet and the leaders bass.
Nearly all the qualities of the ACT label's output are demonstrated on this release except perhaps for an element of excitement or profundity.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
