Nordic Jazz Archives - Backseat Mafia

Album Review: Alex Ventling – ‘Wavemakers’: New Nordic jazz which soothes and fulfils.

Need some cerebral soothing and sustenance then maybe take some time to engage with Trondheim-based jazz musician Alex Ventling’s new album ‘Wavemakers’. Ventling is something of a creative polymath. Besides…

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Album Review: Cecilie Strange – ‘Beech’: Compelling Nordic Jazz with a subtle strength and singular sound.

When an artist settles into their groove, over time the spark in their music can dim. Listening to ‘Beech’ the new album by Danish saxophonist Cecilie Strange it’s more than…

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Album Review: Red Gazelle Trio – ‘On A Human Level’: naturally soulful and melodically warm, a new Nordic jazz gem.

Perceptions and pronouncements about Nordic Jazz can often return to parts of the classic ECM catalogue with its sophisticated coolness, ambient leanings and breathtaking spaciousness. But naturally, the Scandinavian scene…

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Album Review: Svaneborg Kardyb – ‘Over Tage’: Nordic magicians of the minimal and melodic.

As a fresh, crossover-jazz partnership Svaneborg Kardyb, Nikolaj Svaneborg (Wurlitzer, synth, piano) and Jonas Kardyb (drums, percussion) have taken time to bring their delicately crafted sophistication together. The two Danish…

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Album Review: Tapani Rinne & Juha Maki-Patola – Open: exquisite jazz electronica that restores and inspires.

Some records arrive that make you wonder if there is much value to writing about music. ‘Open’ by the Finnish ambient jazz partnership of reedist Tapani Rinne and composer/producer Juha…

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Album Review: Ilmiliekki Quartet – Ilmiliekki Quartet : Essential atmospheric jazz

Trying to unravel the interconnections and collaborations in jazz is often like code-breaking. Players are likely to be in several groups at a time, they form their own units, perform…

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