ÖRJAN HULTÉN'S ORION
1000 Trades, Birmingham - 22nd September 2017
1000 Trades, Birmingham - 22nd September 2017
ÖRJAN HULTÉN'S ORION
1000 Trades, Birmingham - 22nd September 2017
Anyone who is still labouring under the misapprehension that there is a single, homogeneous genre of "scandijazz", and that it is dark and brooding, really must get to an Orion gig. This is powerful, positive, uplifting music of the highest order. Of all the various musical styles that jazz employs, the use of major chords in 5/4 time is a core aspect of the style of bop of which this group are masters. What they also bring is a strong Balkan flavour in some of their tunes that gives their sound a uniqueness and freshness.
The gig had a delayed start, after the group had navigated the UK motorway network from London to Birmingham. The 1000 Trades, in Birmingham's historical jewellery quarter, is the new home of Birmingham Jazz. The pub's name celebrates the time of the Industrial Revolution when Birmingham was home to a thousand trades.
The upper room in the pub comfortably seated the 50 strong audience who sat around tables - and the band sat among them to eat burgers and chips before they took to the stage. The PA system was rich and clear. Augustson's bass resonated deeply, with each note clearly stated. Gulz managed to make an upright piano sound like a Steinway, with rich, open chords and beautifully crafted solos. Throughout the two sets, Danemo kept up a tight and intelligent rhythmic support on a small drum kit. Each player took solos that were warmly received by the audience.
The band was clearly having a ball as they worked their latest CD (Fältrapport - Fieldwork) and played tracks from earlier recordings (the title track from 'Radio in my head' and Invisible from 'Mr Nobody'). Whatever they played, the warmth and positivity shone through.
In the second set they played a moving suite, ‘Jablonski straase 55’, inspired by Hans Fallada’s novel of a woman who committed suicide rather than be taken by the Gestapo. This began with Hulten's plaintive sax introduction before Augustson's poignant arco bass solo, before the piece resolved into what felt like a valediction and celebration of her life. Later their 'Man with an orange' opened with off-kilter post bop that resolved into the broad, open bop that is their signature sound.
If you have friends or loved ones who are not sure if they like jazz, take them to an Orion gig to show them what great jazz could sound like. If you have friends and loved ones who like jazz, take them to an Orion gig so they can hear what great jazz does sound like.
Reviewed by Chris Baber
Photo credit: Garry Corbett, www.flickr.com/photos/bluejazzbuddha
1000 Trades, Birmingham - 22nd September 2017
Anyone who is still labouring under the misapprehension that there is a single, homogeneous genre of "scandijazz", and that it is dark and brooding, really must get to an Orion gig. This is powerful, positive, uplifting music of the highest order. Of all the various musical styles that jazz employs, the use of major chords in 5/4 time is a core aspect of the style of bop of which this group are masters. What they also bring is a strong Balkan flavour in some of their tunes that gives their sound a uniqueness and freshness.
The gig had a delayed start, after the group had navigated the UK motorway network from London to Birmingham. The 1000 Trades, in Birmingham's historical jewellery quarter, is the new home of Birmingham Jazz. The pub's name celebrates the time of the Industrial Revolution when Birmingham was home to a thousand trades.
The upper room in the pub comfortably seated the 50 strong audience who sat around tables - and the band sat among them to eat burgers and chips before they took to the stage. The PA system was rich and clear. Augustson's bass resonated deeply, with each note clearly stated. Gulz managed to make an upright piano sound like a Steinway, with rich, open chords and beautifully crafted solos. Throughout the two sets, Danemo kept up a tight and intelligent rhythmic support on a small drum kit. Each player took solos that were warmly received by the audience.
The band was clearly having a ball as they worked their latest CD (Fältrapport - Fieldwork) and played tracks from earlier recordings (the title track from 'Radio in my head' and Invisible from 'Mr Nobody'). Whatever they played, the warmth and positivity shone through.
In the second set they played a moving suite, ‘Jablonski straase 55’, inspired by Hans Fallada’s novel of a woman who committed suicide rather than be taken by the Gestapo. This began with Hulten's plaintive sax introduction before Augustson's poignant arco bass solo, before the piece resolved into what felt like a valediction and celebration of her life. Later their 'Man with an orange' opened with off-kilter post bop that resolved into the broad, open bop that is their signature sound.
If you have friends or loved ones who are not sure if they like jazz, take them to an Orion gig to show them what great jazz could sound like. If you have friends and loved ones who like jazz, take them to an Orion gig so they can hear what great jazz does sound like.
Reviewed by Chris Baber
Photo credit: Garry Corbett, www.flickr.com/photos/bluejazzbuddha
