Raoul Bjorkenheim
with Scorch Trio CD
 

Finno-American guitarist Raoul Bjorkenheim has travelled between musical styles from Ambient to Avantgarde, Jazz and World Music for the past two decades. His latest offering is a CD he recorded as part of the Scorch Trio.

What an ensemble! And a very tasteful recording, too. In January 2002, the Scorch Trio (guitarist Raoul Bjorkenheim and the hyper-active rhythm section, consisting of bassist Ingebrigt Haker Flaten and drummer/percussionist Paal Nilssen-Love) has recorded seven overwhelming tracks, now released on CD.

No studio artistry like editing and overdubbing has been used, and that is definitely a bonus, as this way the spirit of improvisation could be saved. Listening to this record conjures up memories of milestones like "Inner Mounting Flame" by The Mahavishnu Orchestra or even German Free Jazz productions by FMP.

An almost insane, urban energy is captured in this extremely intelligent and elaborate production, full of clarity and warmth. Listen carefully, and the musical genius of greats like John Coltrane, Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman or Sonny Sharrock shines through Scorch Trio's improvisations.

The future looks bright for this energetic trio, and I'm eagerly looking forward to further recordings. Europe's Northern fringes have been a breeding ground for great music of all stylistic varieties throughout the past decades - and this CD is further proof!

(rb, t&a: rh)

Label: Rune Grammofon
 
>> Rune Grammofon Website
 


 
Simple artwork, but complex music