Soren Ballegaard (ten/bar, most notably on We'll Let you know); Jens Larsen (gtr); Olaf Meijer (bs); Haye Jellema (dms).(Review by Lance).
I have to be honest, when it comes to contemporary European jazz ensembles I am a Euro-sceptic. Too often the sounds are beyond my conception of what jazz is - often beyond my conception of music - so it was with some trepidation that I tentatively slid this CD on to the player.
My misgivings were totally unfounded!
Træben are one of the most musical bands I have heard in recent years. Tenor and guitar combine to produce some amazing voicings - rich harmonies reminiscent of Gil Evans or Mingus. This is laid back in the best possible definition of the term. The solos from tenor and guitar waft across the room like a sensuous perfume on a svelte lady, conjuring up the most beautiful and musically erotic images.
Bass and drums are no less important providing the foundation to the beauty and, in case you think this is all sugar and spice the lady also let's her hair down when tenor is changed (I think) to baritone on We'll Let You Know.
Guitarist Larsen wrote nine of the ten pieces. Saxist Ballegaard wrote the other one - the cleverly titled Nothing or Nothing At All.
I'm trying desperately hard to find something negative to say about this disc but I can't!
The more I play it the more I like it. Certainly my Euro 2012 Disc of the Year so far.
Træben - Push (Jarr Records).
Lance.
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