Exploration of sonority and harmonic relationships are an interesting element in Gjeilo’s music, and it would seem he is as much at home with the classics as with the kind of ‘country’ jazz which often crops up here. Recording label 2L’s Lindberg Lyd was nominated for ‘Best Surround Sound’ at the Grammies in 2007, and the symbiosis between Ola Gjeilo’s playing and producers and engineers sympathetic to creating the best possible piano sound has produced something of a demonstration disc when it comes to sound quality. Barber also helps close the album with Serenity, which rumbles along fairly innocuously to start with, but develops quite a head of steam over the 5 minutes of its duration. Of the numbers with added instruments this is a clear favourite, with plenty of soulful twists and turns over the relatively straightforward descending bass line in the piano’s left hand. The beautiful North Country II sees the flugelhorn of Tom Barber adding its own special sonority to the piano and cello mix. Violinist David Coucheron joins in to form a trio with the piano and cello in Sienna, which has a typically rolling and full-sounding accompaniment to simple melodic phrases which speak directly and clearly. He also contributes to Madison, which is also powerfully sentimental but has a less overtly obvious melodic structure. Cellist Johannes Martens appears on the super-romantic tunes The Hudson, and Sidewalk, both of which run the risk of melting your loudspeakers, such is the sweetness of their effusion. While most of these tracks are indeed solo work, there are a number of other musicians involved. Pieces like Roxbury Park and the Lyle Mays sound-alike Manhattan roll along with a relaxed and open character, and could only come from a deep affinity with American culture. ‘Contemplative’ need not be confused with somnolent however, and as numbers such as the opening Snow in New York and Michelle show that more up-tempo numbers are very much a part of Gjailo’s package of goodies. The contemplative nature of his playing is a defining factor in his style, and in the interview booklet notes he cites Keith Jarrett as an example of one whose work he has found attractive in the past. This is Norwegian composer and pianist Ola Gjailo’s first ‘solo’ album, and following on from considerable success as a performing artist this release has been much anticipated by fans.
Sofienberg church, Oslo, Norway, August 5-8, 2007 Reviewers: Don Mather, Tony Augarde, Dick Stafford, John Eyles, Robert Gibson, Ian Lace, Colin Clarke, Jack Ashby Ola Gjailo Stone Rose 2L48 : Jazz CD Reviews- 2008 MusicWeb International CD Reviews
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