Kristian Jørgensen, an excellent Danish jazz violinist, is joined by the esteemed American pianist
Monty Alexander on this varied and engaging record.
Jørgensen's got a strong band in bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek, drummer Kresten Osgood, and especially guitarist
Jacob Fischer, whose versatility adds a great deal to the session. After a kind of New Orleans rock & roll beginning with "The Mill" (featuring spicy slide-fuzz work from
Fischer), the record settles into more of a straight-ahead jazz vibe, yet manages to remain unpredictable.
Jørgensen's originals offer creative twists on the blues and rhythm changes; his ballad "Jespers Vuggevise" unfolds with grace and simplicity, borrowing gestures from classical harmony. He gives "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" a powerful, impressionistic reading and slaps a sort of cowboy feel on
Django Reinhardt's "Oriental Shuffle," giving
Fischer a good spotlight on acoustic guitar.
Monty Alexander's wife,
Caterina Zapponi, lays down an effective vocal on "Estate" just before
Jørgensen and
Alexander wrap up with a duo version of "Willow Weep for Me." Throughout,
Alexander's harmonic resources are boundless, and
Jørgensen rises to the occasion beautifully. ~ David R. Adler