It'll make your head spin
Anders Jnsson | Lund, Sweden | 01/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My friend, who is also a great jazz fan, took me out one night to listen to a concert with this trumpet player named Goran Kajfes. Even though I had heard his name before I didn't know much about him or his music at the time. Since I'm a trumpet player myself, I thought it would do no harm to check him out. It turned out to be a perfect night! The music was mind blowing, and I hadn't heard anything like that before. Not at a concert at least. There's very much electronic Miles Davis in Goran's way of playing the trumpet. Only a more modern version of Miles. The beats, the mood, the trumpet - so good! I just regret I didn't catch the same show the following night.
Since my first encounter with Goran Kajfes he has released his second solo album, Headspin, and even if it's a little bit different than his debut, Home, it's still great music. The music is more varied on Headspin, with obvious influences from the Balkan in some songs. The mood is sometimes melancholy but the brilliant use of a vibraphone cuts through like a laser. The beats are fantastic, and then there's this trumpet... Sometimes muted, sometimes open - always superb! I'm interested in this bonus track though, it's not included in the Swedish edition I got.
If you like this album (and you will!) then don't forget to check out the debut album "Home", and also the albums "Oddjob" and "Koyo" from the group called Oddjob. Most of the players on Kajfes's albums are members of Oddjob, as well."
Fine 70s influenced electrojazz...
Takis Tz. | InYourHead | 12/10/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Cool, very cool electrojazz album that will bring to mind a lot of 70s TV series with its vibes. Coming from a not so well known name in the field (except for jazz insiders), Goran Kajfes had already an absolutely great release under his belt (prior to this) which you should definately seek if you're a fan of such music.
Now in "Headspin" he comes back blending masterfully subtle electronics with 70s jazz to create a very diverse LP. It sways from laidback sunday morning jazz to spooky psychedelic pieces. Loads of grooves are there as well, but the overwhelming feeling is one of spacey lingering.
I dont know much about the artist himself but what i do know is that his music is capturing instanteously. Not one of those albums likely to get air-time, but i think it will easily appeal to people listening to traditional jazz as well as those looking for a contemporary element.
I noticed that his previous album isnt avalaible through the U.S Amazon but you should be able to trace it through the U.K one or the German one.
Do check this out."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1