Customer Reviews

Keyed Up

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I defy you to find a trio that grooves with more musicality, humor, and ebullience. It's only a matter of time before these gents start playing large venues -- they make tunes of substance and beauty, they rock harder in concert than you'd imagine, and they back it all up with real playing and improvising chops. What's more, they've yet to release an album that's less than excellent; even the more atmospheric Gront yielded some brilliant sections. Keyed Up is their latest installment, hot on the heels of the previous year's Trio album -- yet more evidence that this group is bursting at the seams with music that is fresh, alive, and beautiful.

My one request of Väsen? Revive the quartet incarnation, and persuade percussionist André Ferrari to tour again. I love both versions of the group, but drums take things to quite another level...

This is a recording that grows on you. It is not so frenetic or edgy as other recordings by the group. One finds the music growing more pleasant and genial with each hearing.

Although Vasen claims to be "Keyed Up" I find them more at peace with themselves and calming like the cover photo. Perky yet relaxed; reflective yet on edge. The stylistic picking of Tallroth's bosoki blends harmoniously with Johansson's kntrabasharpa making me feel pure bliss as I listen to the CD. I'm so keyed up on this disk that I'm going to buy into a Swedish timeshare for my winter vacations!

Not only is Vasen one of my all-time favorite groups, this particular CD is my absolute favorite of theirs. If you don't have the cash to cough up for their entire collection, then this would be the best place to start.