Credits:

Palle Danielsson

Description:

Swedish bassist Palle Danielsson has long been a valuable sideman in a variety of jazz styles, most notably appearing on some releases from ECM, especially with Keith Jarrett and Charles Lloyd. On his first recording as a leader, he leads his regular quartet (pianist Rita Marcotulli, tenor saxophonist Joakim Milder, and drummer Anders Kjellberg), welcoming guest guitarist Goran Klinghagen to two of the selections. The music (five originals by Danielsson, three from Marcotulli, a song by Milder, and "Monks Mood") is a bit dry and cold in ways, without much emotion expressed, although it is expertly played. Certainly one cannot fault the individual soloists and Danielsson (who takes the opening "Contra Post" unaccompanied) is in superior form. It just takes a few listens to be able to get into this swinging yet somewhat forbidding music. ~ Scott Yanow