Dundas, Chris/Arild Andersen/Bendrik Hofseth/Patrice Heral: Oslo Odyssey

Chris Dundas is an American jazz pianist who released his self-titled debut album fourteen years ago. Finally his sophomore effort Oslo Odyssey has seen the light of day. For this album Dundas has recruited a couple of talented Norwegians; Bendik Hofseth (tenor saxophone) and Arild Andersen (double bass, live electronics). Patrice Heral helps out on drums and live electronics.

This is a two CD set with the first disc showing Dundas's compositional skills. The album begins with "Great Pacific Garbage Patch Waltz" starting with a hint of melancholy piano and tranquil saxophone notes. It is a peaceful beginning with the sax and piano taking on wistful tones having a very calming effect. "Quiet Now" goes for a romantic nostalgic sound while "You're Gonna Tempt Me" is much busier rhythmically with outstanding bass and drums. The playing is fluid and dynamic as the tempo changes effortlessly and the bass solo is a thing of beauty.

The second disc demonstrates the quartet's improvisational skills and features "Pilgrimage", a twenty three minute piece where flutterings of piano, wisps of cymbals, crystal clear sax and meandering bass lines come together in a totally off the cuff minimalistic sound that will mesmerize some and polarize others, depending on your point of view. The playing does get quite chaotic at times so be prepared for a challenging listen. Personally, I enjoyed the first disc more but can appreciate the band's more esoteric offerings.

If you like Keith Jarret's stuff on the ECM label, Oslo Odyssey should go down rather well. A very classy Scandinavian sounding jazz album that will surely find its way back to my CD player. A BLM Records production.

Track Listing:
CD1
1. Great Pacific Garbage Patch Waltz
2. Quiet Now
3. You're Gonna Tempt Me
4. Friends Forever
5. Lemming Ade
6. Lontano
7. Fukushima Rain

CD2
1. Pilgrimage
2. Waiting For The 4:20 From Godot
3. If I Should Come Home
4. Full Circle

Added: October 13th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1828
Language: english

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