Swede Bobo Stenson is a now 78-year-old jazz pianist who has played with such great jazz names as
Jan Garbarek and
Charles Lloyd. He has also released numerous records with the renowned label ECM, and his music seems to perfectly present the artistic vision of this record label. Tranquil and ear-pleasing melodies, as well as adventurous free improvisations, where feeling and atmosphere always prevail.
Stenson and his trio, which in addition to himself consists of Anders Jormin (bass) and Jon Fält (drums), play works by the Finnish composer Sibelius (the magnificent Valsette op. 40-1), the Swede Sven-Erik Bäck and also compositions by Jormin, among others. The repertoire is at the interface between northern European jazz and modern classical music. Stenson plays beautifully dynamically. Without stopping to play, he can become completely absorbed in the whole, but almost imperceptibly he is suddenly back in the foreground. In equally organic fashion, Jormin alternates ethereal flageolets and bowed notes with more pronounced melodies. In their field, Stenson and his are absolute masters. (JV)more
