Nilsson; Stefan: The Gift

A renowned soundtrack composer and keyboard player, Stefan Nilsson is also a respected and admired jazz rock band leader, his work with Kornet remembered fondly by many. The Gift is his first foray back into the the world of jazz rock instrumentals for many a year, and in many ways you can tell.

Now that may appear to be a disparaging comment, but the very fact that The Gift sounds far removed from much of the genre bending and non conformist jazz being bandied around these days is one of its most endearing features. Instead the sheer class of musicianship on show from Nilsson and his seven accompanists is left to impress in an amazingly honest and simple manner. Again, the word simple could be seen as a denigrating remark and yet, what's meant by that, is that there's no production trickery, no sound effects, no flashing lights or dazzling lasers. Instead The Gift focuses on organically squeezing the best it can from each and every song it encounters.

Across the disc this laid back, if far from leisurely, jazz incorporates a selection of classical pieces into its makeup via Vivaldi's "Winter", as well as Bach's "Menuet" and D-Minor Concerto – the latter reworked into the album's title track. Each selection is handled masterfully, busy but never cluttered arrangements infusing the fusion beautifully into the classical. A pair of cover versions are also incorporated, Duke Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" a highlight, while Fats Wallers' "Honeysuckle Rose" isn't far behind. The original cuts aren't exactly out of place either, the stunning "Martin Beck Theme" a study in how to make a massive impact with the lightest of touches, while "Let's Go" injects a little bottom end energy into a pulsating drum mix. Factor in that the World Music infused "Sana Sananina" proves, at nearly ten minutes in length, to be an ever evolving delight where the vocals from Aminah Al Fakir are a joy and The Gift remains an eclectic, satisfying collection throughout.

While often energetic and involved, for some what Stefan Nilsson and his band have crafted here will prove a little gentle and dare I say, safe. However if you're looking for beautifully structured music with an eye on the uplifting – with some mean musicianship to boot – then The Gift will be most gratefully received.

Track Listing
1.Yttersti
2.Menuet (Anna Magdalena notebook)
3.The Gift
4.Martin Beck Theme
5.Let's Go
6.Keltsong
7.Honeysuckle Rose
8.Don't Get Around Much Anymore
9.The Happy Gang
10.Winter (Four Seasons)
11.Sana Sananina

Added: February 2nd 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Stefan Nilsson on facebook
Hits: 2412
Language: english

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