Customer Reviews

Cantando (Ocrd)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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My only previous experience with the music of pianist Bobo Stenson came via his work with Polish jazz artist Tomasz Stanko. But in the past couple of years I have developed an ear for some of the piano trios that are part of the ECM stable and so decided to hear what Stenson could do when he had top billing.
Cantando turned out to be a fortuitous choice to start as one of the compositions covered was written by my favorite tango composer, Astor Piazzolla. Those who appreciate virtuosity coupled with a minimalist musical ethos will certainly find a lot to like here. My favorites are covers of both variations of Petr Eben's Song of Ruth, Piazzolla's Chiquilin de Bachin, and a splendid take on Don Cherry's Don's Kora Song. One I don't care for is the discordant cover of Ornette Coleman's A Fixed Goal. And the trio's take on Alban Berg's Liebesode is so somnolent that it is difficult to avoid taking a nap as it plays.
As is usual for an ECM recording, Cantando comes tastefully packaged in a traditional jewel case complete with a slip cover and is accompanied by an attractive insert as minimalist as the seventy-eight minutes of music on the disc. With the release of Cantando, Bobo Stenson, along with bass player Anders Jormin and drummer Jon Falt have given the world some fine music. I am looking forward to further explorations of the Stenson catalog.

Although it doesn't scale the same heights as Serenity, an undisputable high point in the trio's discography, this is another very fine Stenson disc. Those familiar with previous ECM productions will find a typical mix of the trio's own compositions, borrowed material, folksy tunes and more classically inspired material. Characteristic are also the finely judged modulations between improvisatory abstraction and beguiling lyricism. New is perhaps the wider range of exotic percussion sounds that young drummer Jon Fält (filling the void left by Jon Christensen) weaves into the musical fabric. Together with Jormin's sometimes very Eastern sounding extemporisations on double-bass this lends at times an almost ritualistic quality to the music (particularly evident in the almost 15 minute long improvisation "Pages" and the Alban Berg-inspired "Liebesode"). Despite the evident mastery of Jormin and Fälts, the great attraction for me remains Stenson's piano. He produces a tone that is instantly recognisable: disarmingly honest, "simple" and luminous. Listen to the wistful rising scale of open fifths in Petr Eben's "Song of Ruth" and you know what I mean. I was lucky enough to experience the trio live in this set and I was amazed by the sheer exuberance of their music making. With a total duration of just over 78 minutes on this disc we are exceedingly well served (not always the case with ECM). The recording is excellent (as is customary with ECM). Altogether a very enticing package.

This is a gem of an album. If you thought the piano/bass/drums trio was an archival form, think again. Stenson, Jormin and Falt interact superbly, as equals, each making his own music. They weave their ideas together into a unique sound - sometimes lyrical, sometimes minimalist, sometimes avant-garde.

A very rich and evocative recording. There is lots to hear, and lots to feel while listening.

I don't wish to get too technical in discussing this music, for that might lead one to think of this music as clinical or sterile. Though it abounds in technical mastery it is far from sterile, and I just can't get past the sheer beauty of the performances! If great art takes us away beyond the techniques employed, then this record is surely on the highest levels. So often in music I can't help but hear certain scales, certain phrases, certain rhythms, etc. but here on 'Cantando' I hear only the exquisite and sublime sounds being produced in the moment itself, as I am constantly transported to musical heaven by the luminous and beautiful playing of Bobo Stenson at the piano, by the amazing and wondrous bass playing of Anders Jormin, and by the wonderful and tuneful rhythmic articulations of drummer Jon Falt. I'm gushing with praise, I know... I can't help it! The trio have put together a wonderful selection of music on this album and it is so beautifully recorded. This is fortunate indeed, but it's the performances that totally knock me out and the level of musical artistry here astounds. Cantando is a very special album to me, and in my view the trio's best by a long way. Oh yes, I have all their others and love each one!

[Note: So many ECM discs are "currently unavailable". One hopes that this shameful fate doesn't await 'Cantando'...]

This beautiful jazz record takes Stenson's music to a new level. A combination of both new and classic tunes, the artist breaks new ground with this set. The classic sound that ECM records is known for is showcased here, as are first rate playing by the band. A must have for any Jazz fan.

What can you say about Bobo Stenson. His music is exquisite.When I want to dip into a quiet space Cantado for the most part accentuates what I am going after.