Usually for me, January is a test of endurance. Freezing cold and hours of darkness coupled with a post Christmas slump in work. But this year it was different. No, not a Christmas holiday to Australia; two of my favourite tenor players both recorded new albums and released them in the same week.
I wasn’t sure whether to save Marius Neset’s latest offering ‘Pinball’ until the new Chris Potter disc had at least partially worn out, but when it dropped on my doorstep I couldn’t resist a sneaky quick listen.
I was wondering whether a move from Edition Records to ACT would change the direction of the young Norwegian saxophonist. His previous two solo albums, ‘Golden Xplosion’ and ‘Birds’ both are full of rhythmic energy, changing meters, intricate arrangements and sparkling virtuosity throughout the whole band.
“I can’t imagine how one could squeeze more musical energy into one disc.”
The first track was not disappointing. It carried on from where ‘Birds’ left us. The relentless rhythmic combination of Neset and drummer Anton Eger was still as exciting as ever, but driven by Petter Eldh on bass and with added energy from Jim Hart on vibes.
I spent at least the first 8 or 9 plays attempting to decipher the changing meter and cross rhythms; this is a key feature of Neset’s music. Thankfully his music remains relatively simplistic melodically.
Folk influences are heard throughout, especially in ‘World Music’ and Police’. The Norwegian jazz influence is certainly evident in ‘Aberhonddu’ with it’s dark 5th harmony and ostinato piano patterns. A kind of rhythmically adjusted E.S.T.
If you’re looking for beautiful ballads this is not the record for you. ‘Odes of You’ begins with a beautiful, simple repeated chord pattern from Ivo Neame. All was looking good for a ballad. Then Anton Eger enters with a slow groove, but in a skewed tempo relationship. Despite this being a rather charming melody I spent the rest of the track focussing on the tempo relationship rather than the tune and solo.
All in all, this is Neset’s best work to date. I can’t imagine how one could squeeze more musical energy into one disc. If you’re looking for a perfect follow up disc to Coltrane Ballads, this should not be your first choice, but it is a truly dazzling piece of work from all the musicians, especially the Neset/Eger partnership.
More info:
Pinball is released by ACT
About the author
Carl Raven teaches at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in England and is a member of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet.