Near The Pond's first release was inspired by the literary works of Swedish-American poet Carl Sandburg. This time round the multi-national quartet (two Swedes, one Dane and an American) find further inspiration in the poems of the long-departed Japanese poet Saigyō (1118-1190).
I have to confess that it's all rather heavy for a simple soul like myself. Cronholm has a nice voice and can cover a wide range. Knuffke sounds good on cornet, perhaps he's the missing link between Bix and Miles. I get the feeling that, musically speaking, he could swing in either direction. Clausen's vibes/drums along with Andersson's bass seem at home with the strange, albeit not unpleasant, ethereal sounds that pervade throughout.
On tracks one and nine Cronholm is joined by an unidentified male vocalist - presumably one of the other three?
The actual music was composed by Croholm (tks 1, 3, 9, 10); Knuffke (tks 2, 4, 6, 8) and Andersson (tks 5, 7).
I found it more interesting on the second time of listening but Damascus is still a long way away. Definitely one to try before buying. Lance
UK release date - June 7
If Only; Empty as Sky; The Call of Wild Geese Far and Near; Life's Long Sleep; Winter Deepens in a Mountain Home; Know That's the Moon's Light; Winter Night; Morning Starts to Melt; Time on my Pillow; Only the Moon.
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