Thoughtful and poetic, Gefion is Danish guitarist Jakob Bro's first ECM album as leader, following his sideman work with Paul Motian and Tomasz Stanko. Like the work of those masters Bro's balladeering distils a sense of jazz history in its specific and highly personal atmospheres. He is joined by drum legend Jon Christensen and creative bassist-of-the-moment Thomas Morgan.
G**F
Watch out for goosebumps.
This record is all about vibe, atmosphere, and abstract beauty. It is not "Jazz" in that there are not really individual solos, though there are repeated themes and motifs with variation played by both Bro on guitar and Morgan on bass. The compositions are gorgeous, and simple. Bro's debt to Frisell in terms of his sound and overall musical concept is unmistakable. They worked together on a prior release from Bro. However, I feel this is an album Frisell maybe could have made back in the day with Haden and Motian, but never did. Jon Chistensen plays the drum set like a ninja here, coloring abstractly and mostly unobtrusively, though here and there his playing rises in the mix to a level where it could be said to harshen the otherwise delicate vibe of the tunes. Those moments are few and far between and as a whole I dig Christensen's contribution. Morgan is a very in-demand young bassist and this set shows why. His bass work over these hymn-like compositions is arresting and the listener should be prepared for goosebumps. He is also very aware of and supportive of the form of each tune as a whole, adding structure that plays against Chtistensen's looser, freer playing. Bro's guitar sound (looks like a Telecaster in the session photos) is knockout gorgeous, with subtleties embellishing the melodies and chord voicings throughout. His guitar playing and sound is mesmerizing and fits his compositions perfectly. The recording quality is amazing, pure ECM, prime for loud volume on good stereo or headphones. This is an album that will grow on you if you allow yourself to enter its world. Once you do, you will want to be transported there repeatedly.
W**D
Perfection
This is a perfect album. Since March of 2015, I have probably had over 100 full listens of Gefion - I cannot find a flaw. I find something new and exciting about this elegant music every time. Morgan and Christensen are such empathetic, nearly telepathic improvisers, perfectly supporting the beautifully subtle guitar work and compositions of Bro. This is without a doubt my favorite record of the last 5 years, surely one of my favorite records ever.
I**N
Quantity? Quality!
This is fabulous, right in my wheelhouse. Dark, moody, cryptic, occasionally edgy.A guitarist to watch (listen). Concentrated music....more wouldn't be necessarily better.I think Keith Jarrett once said something to this effect: "Some nights it would be betterto end a concert after 30 minutes, but people want their two full hours of entertainment."Feh...don't wait...it's ECM!
M**R
Another excellent offering from ECM
Another excellent offering from ECM! The subtle drums, fretless bass, clean and atmospheric guitar combine to make a sound that reveals nuances with every listen....perfect for clearing your mind or filling it with endless ideas.
F**Y
Five Stars
The music's great and the quality of the recording is near reference quality.
P**S
Five Stars
interesting interpretation of a modern guitar music
J**.
Five Stars
Great turnaround very good service.,
K**I
Five Stars
Excellent!
