Featured Artist: Haftor Medboe Group

CD Title: New: Happy

Year: 2008

Record Label: Fabrikant Records

Style: Contemporary Jazz

Musicians:

Haftor Medboe  (guitars), Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophones),  Chris Greive (trombone), Eva Malling (acoustic bass),  Signy Jakobsdottir (percussion), with guest Tommy Harmonica

Review:

Guitarist and composer Haftor Medboe delivers with his latest album New: Happy an engaging assortment of Contemporary jazz compositions. Performed with Konrad Wiszniewski, Chris Greive, Eva Malling, Signy Jakobsdottir and guest Tommy Harmonica this album is a startling group work  The music shows a great interplay inside the collective. Notable is trombonist Chris Greive, who sets a wonderful groove.

Haftor Medboe Group appeal is hearted within its conjunctive brew to interact heterogeneous styles into a special musical atmosphere that conveys feathered soundscapes.  The sextet channels through the eight pleasant pieces via enacted harmonies and nicely sound spaces. The music of this album defines a unique style which blends elements of Contemporary jazz with high energy and artistry. Konrad Wiszniewski and Chris Greive create an exchange of swing while the guitar explores the tunes “New : Happy”, “These Little Things”, “Fri Bo”, “Tys Tys” with a dreamy mood.  Brilliant are the voices of Greive on trombone and Wiszniewski playing the saxophones on “Heartrush.” On this, Haftor Medbøe adds a notch of tension.

Haftor Medboe is an artist very active on the Scottish scene, supported by Scottish Arts Council; his voice fits perfectly in wide contexts. This wonderful release New: Happy conveys great music reaching fulfillment and intensity. Highly recommended.

Record Label Website: http://www.fabrikant-records.net

Artist's Website: http://www.haftormedboegroup.net

Reviewed by: Dr. Ana Isabel Ordonez

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