Pianist
Ketil Bjornstad's music is typically in the Scandinavian division of ECM tradition -- cool, seamless, flowing, emotionally consistent. This series of eleven selections titled by Roman numerals progresses through a life cycle that reaches a nebulous pinnacle. With no bass player, tenor saxophonist
Tore Brunborg and the always inventive drummer
Jon Christensen -- all veterans of Euro-classical-textured jazz -- weave through various aspects of contemporary jazz while mindful of natural and spiritual elements. In
Bjornstad's playing, you circular notions of former ECM stablemate, pianist
Mike Nock, peace-based hymnal and traditional themes, a waltz, a short stack of mystery, and just a smattering of the blues. At times,
Brunborg's tenor reflects the rich fluidity of
Michael Brecker as on "IV," while
Christensen's usually ultra-sensitive drumming breaks out into free clattering and bomb drops for "IX," and concentrates on lovely oceanic cymbal washes during "X". Remembrance certainly is a reflective, introspective recording, well suited for those times when pause for concern and a look at one's inner self is necessary. ~ Michael G. Nastos