Musicians: Ole Mathisen (tenor, soprano saxes), Chris Washburne (trombone), Soren Moller (piano), Ray Vega (trumpet), Per Mathisen (bass), Tony Moreno (drums)
Review: The musicians performing here are relatively well-known leaders and/or session aces. But the premise and title for this gathering pertains to the union of New York (NY), Norway (N), and Denmark (DK), jazz artists. Subsidized by a grant, this sextet including trombonist Chris Washburne, saxophonist Ole Mathisen and others have perhaps fashioned one of the top modern-mainstream outings of 2004.
In a nutshell, this ensemble means business! From the onset of the opening piece titled “Pendulum,” the musicians launch into overdrive via swiftly enacted horn charts, and a zestful swing vibe. Here, pianist Soren Moller uses space and bop phrasings to emit a sense of spaciousness as the soloists stand in queue while subsequently taking off into the ozone. It’s a complex arrangement, jazzed up with ominous intentions. And other than a few gently designed ballads, the band generally comes right at you with a vengeance.
With “Everything Happens To Me,” Moller and bassist Per Mathisen frame an underlying melody via a lower register ostinato motif as drummer Tony Moreno proceeds to render a polyrhythmic blitz. On “Constructed,” trumpeter Ray Vega’s golden-toned lines ride atop a frothy swing vamp interspersed with odd-metered intervals. And it’s intelligently arranged – not just a blowing session by any means. At times, the sextet’s presence elicits notions of a stripped-down big band, whereas complex arrangements are left within the hands of a chosen few. Therefore, the music is largely about power, agility and an extremely engaging spiritual bond that surfaces throughout. (Zealously recommended…)
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