Customer Reviews

Sahib Shihab & The Danish Radio Jazz Orchestra

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The versatile saxophonist/flautist Sahib Shihab resisted easy categorization during his lifetime. A unique musician, he was comfortable in any musical style, from the experimentalism of Thelonious Monk to the more straightforward hard bop of Art Blakey. Shihab's own sound was rooted in his cool modernist compositions and arrangements, complemented by an intense, soulful playing style. Through no fault of his own, Shihab tended to be overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries, despite his profound and influential contributions to jazz. He really came into his own musically during his self-imposed exile in Scandinavia in the 1960s, during which he lived in Copenhagen and played with the Danish Radio Jazz Group. That association resulted in the authoritative performances on this recording, which provides ample proof of Shihab's ability to groove with the best of them. All the tunes were written by Shihab and are characterized by intriguing, minor key melodies that provide great jumping off points for the soloists. His arrangements for the sizeable Radio Jazz Group often veer off into unexpected tangents, courtesy of sudden tempo changes, unusual instrumental combinations and surprising rhythmic patterns. There's something almost Mingus-like in the big, brassy sound and angular contours of Shihab's charts. Each cut establishes a solid rolling groove that just won't quit, and the collective improvisation of the musicians maintains a consistently high level. Shihab is particularly effective on baritone, his off-center but always swinging phrases showing the influence of Monk without detracting from the individuality of Sahib. Trumpeters Palle Mikkelborg, Palle Bolvig and Allan Botschinsky also shine, as do vibist Louis Hjulmand, bassist Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen, drummer Alex Riel, and the rest of the Danish ensemble. This superb disc makes one wish Shihab had recorded more albums as a leader. Sadly, most of his output is now out of print, which makes the release of this CD all the more reason to celebrate.

I am freaking out about this release! I've never heard of this guy, which shows my ignorance, but this album just sounds so good I can't stop playing it. The recording, despite being quite old, is crystal clear and vibrant. The musicians are obviously having fun, they're completely in synch, and they are taking chances in little interesting ways that don't necessarily become obvious until you listen to this album a few times. Luckily, it's very easy to listen to. There's a great musical arch through all the different kinds of Jazz you might care to listen to. It's very, very accessible and listenable, but it isn't flat or dumbed down for the masses. You can listen to this album as background music, or when you have company over for dinner and drinks, or you can put on your headphones in a dark room and listen to the saxophone's keys slapping on their pads because the recording is so perfect. Need more cowbell? There's a cowbell solo...and get this: It's musical.

Unless you're allergic to jazz, you should buy this disc. You will enjoy it.

"Sahib Shihab and The Danish Radio Jazz Group"

After his seminel bebop years, Shahib left New York for a dozen years to live in Scandinavia. This CD is a great collection of his work in 1960's Copenhagen. Shahib writes, arranges, plays multiple instruments, and even sings with this crack band. The range is impressive, and enough to draw in admirers of different styles.

The opener, "Di-Da", is a walking nightprowl that would please Garner and Brubeck fans, as well as lounge hipsters into Mancini's "Peter Gunn" or Quincy Jones. "Not Yet" with its tempo changes channels freebop like Monk. The contemplative beauty of "Tenth Lament" would be at home with Coltrane and Davis. The lively "Mai Ding" sways deftly between cuban swing and Hancock's "Watermelon Man". The cinematic "No Time For Cries" has John Barry-esque embellishments that accent a slinky romantic groove. Shahib caps it all with a credible vocal on "Little French Girl" that fans of Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, or Charles Aznavour would smile to. Mentioning his peers helps to context the sounds, but he was his own man, with unique dynamics in his arrangements, soulful perormances on various reeds, and a stimulating breadth. An outstanding collection from an underrated Jazz shaker.