I could blather on (as usual in these intros) about where I first encountered Mikko Innanen’s music… I could talk about the Teddy Rok 7, Innkvisitio, K-18, the sax/drums duo with Mika Kallio… or with Stefan Pasborg, or Simo Laihonen… but if I do that, the intro will be longer than the interview because Mikko’s…
Like many listeners to this kind of music (and players) I’m learning as I go. And in that learning process, there’s a constant danger of stagnation… of understanding, of vocabulary, of response. This book, by Chicago music writer, curator and producer, John Corbett, is the solution. Short, accessible, friendly, it’s an invaluable companion on the…
(This review was first published in Jazz Journal in 2010) Juhani Aaltonen (tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute) Iro Haarla (piano, harp) Ulf Krokfors (bass) Reino Laine (drums) Shimmer of Fallen Stars Ronda Rautapallo Blessing Good Old Times Agape Never Ending Sea Consolation Reflections Ice Breaking (71.20) Porvoo, August 18-20, 2008 TUM CD 21 A huge…
(An edited version of this review appeared in Jazz Journal in August 2016.) These eight albums are first-time issues of 1970s broadcasts by the YLE (Finland’s BBC equivalent). On alternate weeks, Pop Liisa showcased rock and prog bands, while Jazz Liisa offered, well, jazz. That said, it was the 70s and the two genres often…
He tenido la suerte de ver Clara Lai en directo, durante la BCN ImproFest y como parte de los Nocturnae Discordianae aquí en Barcelona. Y ahora, ella tiene su primero album, “Haikus” por Discordian Records – un serie de músicas que combinan la música escrita e improvisada – exquisita y con una simplicidad engañosa; un…
Herb Robertson (trumpet, penny whistle, preparations) Mark Solborg (guitars and devices) PREPARATIONS The Flute I Know You CONCERT Hymn Tuesday Prayers Slideswitch Shout, Landscape and Goodbyes (41:43) Copenhagen, 7 July 2014 ILK Music ILK259 As part of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2014, Mark Solborg and Herb Robertson played a freely improvised set at the Koncertkirken,…
I have to thank the forces of ‘jazz conservatism’ for introducing me to the work of Mark Solborg. The UK’s Jazz Journal covers the full breadth of the genre but it’s fair to say there’s a focus on more ‘traditional’ expression. So, as a reviewer for JJ, I get my hands on the more outré,…
[This review was penned for Jazz Journal in 2013.] Anders Banke (tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet) Mark Solborg (guitar) Jeppe Skovbakke (bass) Bjørn Heebøll (drums) Gunnar Halle (trumpet) Laura Toxværd (alto sax) Torben Snekkestad (tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet) Jakob Munck (tuba, trombone) Chris Speed (tenor sax, clarinet) Mrs. Pedersen Takes the Tram 2620 Almost…
