Eagerly awaited new album from Bobo Stenson's trio whose discography has included such important albums as "Reflections" (1993), "War Orphans" (1997), "Serenity" (1999) and "Goodbye" (2004). Master pianist Bobo Stenson and... more » long term bassist Anders Jormin - now joined by alertly responsive young drummer Jon Fält - have developed a richly detailed sound-world like nothing else in modern jazz - at once an extension of the jazz piano tradition and, with its windows opening onto classical music and world folklore, a force apart from it. Characteristically broad program, with original compositions by Jormin, group improvising and pieces by Petr Eben, Alban Berg, Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, and Silvio Rodriguez. Bobo Stenson's audience has developed in the US over the last several years through his touring Presence.« less
Eagerly awaited new album from Bobo Stenson's trio whose discography has included such important albums as "Reflections" (1993), "War Orphans" (1997), "Serenity" (1999) and "Goodbye" (2004). Master pianist Bobo Stenson and long term bassist Anders Jormin - now joined by alertly responsive young drummer Jon Fält - have developed a richly detailed sound-world like nothing else in modern jazz - at once an extension of the jazz piano tradition and, with its windows opening onto classical music and world folklore, a force apart from it. Characteristically broad program, with original compositions by Jormin, group improvising and pieces by Petr Eben, Alban Berg, Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, and Silvio Rodriguez. Bobo Stenson's audience has developed in the US over the last several years through his touring Presence.
CD Reviews
Bobo Stenson's best effort
D. Lennox | Upland, CA United States | 10/04/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This beautiful jazz record takes Stenson's music to a new level. A combination of both new and classic tunes, the artist breaks new ground with this set. The classic sound that ECM records is known for is showcased here, as are first rate playing by the band. A must have for any Jazz fan."
A gem
Andrew I. Schamess | 11/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a gem of an album. If you thought the piano/bass/drums trio was an archival form, think again. Stenson, Jormin and Falt interact superbly, as equals, each making his own music. They weave their ideas together into a unique sound - sometimes lyrical, sometimes minimalist, sometimes avant-garde.
A very rich and evocative recording. There is lots to hear, and lots to feel while listening."
Virtuoso Minimalism
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 04/13/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My only previous experience with the music of pianist Bobo Stenson came via his work with Polish jazz artist Tomasz Stanko. But in the past couple of years I have developed an ear for some of the piano trios that are part of the ECM stable and so decided to hear what Stenson could do when he had top billing.
Cantando turned out to be a fortuitous choice to start as one of the compositions covered was written by my favorite tango composer, Astor Piazzolla. Those who appreciate virtuosity coupled with a minimalist musical ethos will certainly find a lot to like here. My favorites are covers of both variations of Petr Eben's Song of Ruth, Piazzolla's Chiquilin de Bachin, and a splendid take on Don Cherry's Don's Kora Song. One I don't care for is the discordant cover of Ornette Coleman's A Fixed Goal. And the trio's take on Alban Berg's Liebesode is so somnolent that it is difficult to avoid taking a nap as it plays.
As is usual for an ECM recording, Cantando comes tastefully packaged in a traditional jewel case complete with a slip cover and is accompanied by an attractive insert as minimalist as the seventy-eight minutes of music on the disc. With the release of Cantando, Bobo Stenson, along with bass player Anders Jormin and drummer Jon Falt have given the world some fine music. I am looking forward to further explorations of the Stenson catalog."
Another great Stenson disk
Philippe Vandenbroeck | HEVERLEE, BELGIUM | 06/18/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although it doesn't scale the same heights as Serenity, an undisputable high point in the trio's discography, this is another very fine Stenson disc. Those familiar with previous ECM productions will find a typical mix of the trio's own compositions, borrowed material, folksy tunes and more classically inspired material. Characteristic are also the finely judged modulations between improvisatory abstraction and beguiling lyricism. New is perhaps the wider range of exotic percussion sounds that young drummer Jon Fält (filling the void left by Jon Christensen) weaves into the musical fabric. Together with Jormin's sometimes very Eastern sounding extemporisations on double-bass this lends at times an almost ritualistic quality to the music (particularly evident in the almost 15 minute long improvisation "Pages" and the Alban Berg-inspired "Liebesode"). Despite the evident mastery of Jormin and Fälts, the great attraction for me remains Stenson's piano. He produces a tone that is instantly recognisable: disarmingly honest, "simple" and luminous. Listen to the wistful rising scale of open fifths in Petr Eben's "Song of Ruth" and you know what I mean. I was lucky enough to experience the trio live in this set and I was amazed by the sheer exuberance of their music making. With a total duration of just over 78 minutes on this disc we are exceedingly well served (not always the case with ECM). The recording is excellent (as is customary with ECM). Altogether a very enticing package."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1