Persson, Cecilia & Norrbotten Big Band: Cecilia Persson & Norrbotten Big Band

Cecilia Persson is an award winning Swedish pianist/composer who spent 2014 as the artist in residence with the Norrbotten Big Band. She had a year to work with the musicians creating and composing pieces of music, culminating with a concert on Nov. 8, 2015 at Kulturens hus, Luleå, Sweden.

The concert was conducted by Persson and contained three large sections of woodwinds, trumpets and trombones as well as Alexander Zethson (piano), Nils Ölmedal (double bass) and Peter Nilsson (drums).

This album will likely take a while to settle in as this isn't easy music to absorb. Avant-garde classical and jazz with equal measures of improvisation and composition ensures a less traveled pathway which may be good or bad depending on your personal taste. The first track "Lulu" begins with light bass and cymbal taps. Swells of woodwinds and brass against an ambient backdrop and various changes in tempo will keep the more adventurous listener on their toes. Woodwinds and brass workouts and an impressive soprano solo highlight "Stad I Aska" whereas "Låba & Månen" features some deliciously low notes from Per Moberg's baritone sax as well as languid trombone stylings from Arvid Ingberg. Some great dynamics in this one varying from intense to ambient courtesy of the woodwinds and brass.

If you appreciate the avant-garde side of jazz and classical music Cecilia Persson is probably an artist that will give you plenty of mileage. I personally found this to be quite a rewarding listen but isn't something I will play a ton. However, when I am in the mood for adventurous jazz this will certainly do the trick.

Track Listing:
1. Lulu
2. Stad I Aska
3. Låba & Månen
4. Till Bengt Hallberg
5. Furioso
6. En By Om Än Skön

Added: March 13th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1389
Language: english

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