Aksel Røed’s Other Aspects: Do You Dream In Colours?

Again, we are returning to Bergen, Norway, or perhaps we never left, and giving a listen to Aksel Røed’s Other Aspects new album titled Do You Dream In Colours? This time the music fits nicely under the jazz umbrella, a combination of composition and free form, totally expanding the limits of conventional play. It is time to have an open mind and let all the craziness unfold.

Aksel Røed is a young musician but he sure does not play or compose like it. The saxophonist is mature beyond his twenty-five years and on Do You Dream In Colours? he has put together a talented band, who incidentally play with each other outside of the project, which cannot be overstated. These musicians know each other well and it shows in the music they deliver.

The disc opens with “Goiserer Jodler/To Whom This May Concerne�, starting with melodic horns, a very relaxed big band sound before the chaos creeps up and twists your brain into a pretzel. It’s crazy stuff as the saxophone and piano slice and dice with the drums adding complexity. The original melody returns and an excellent sax solo follows suit as the band’s playing intensifies setting a furious pace. This will make your head spin and I mean that in a good way. On “I Usually Paint By Myself� the horns playfully inform the melody before making room for sax and drums intertwining with wild excursions weaving a complex pattern of concentric and oblique shapes, completely outside the box. On “Bergen Is The Prettiest In Blue� a tasty hint of New Orleans jazz begins with the horns before scintillating alto sax and drums twist and turn leading to solo piano and fiery band interplay. It’s the invasion of the saxophones on the energetic and spry “Moonshine Movement� with some incredible solo spots propelled by amazing stick work and on the album ending “When You Dream In Colours� the entire ensemble sets a furious pace from the beginning, adeptly mixing melody with chaotic instrumentation, with the occasional dreamy section allowing everyone to catch their collective breath. And yes, the sax solos are just so good.

This must be one of the most talented jazz ensembles I have heard in quite some time. It takes time and patience to absorb but, in the end, this will be well worth your time. Outstanding stuff!

Released on Is It Jazz? Records.

Track Listing:
1. Goiserer Jodler/To Whom This May Concerne (10:47)
2. I Usually Paint By Myself (5:10)
3. Bergen Is The Prettiest In Blue (4:12)
4. Moonshine Movement (7:08)
5. When you Dream In Colours (12:34)

Added: August 7th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 305
Language: english

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