Recommended: Anders Lonne Gronseth – “Mini Macro Ensemble 2nd Edt Vol2”

 

The follow-up to saxophonist Anders Lønne Grønseth‘s 2015 Mini Macro Ensemble release is no less compelling than its predecessor.  Mini Macro Ensemble 2nd Edt Vol2 brings a diverse array of influences to the mix, from modern jazz to baroque to maqam to neo-classical to folk, and the sliding ratios of Grønseth’s equations create wonderfully intriguing distortions of the influences’ distinguishing traits.  It’s not unlike how the Naked Lunch collaboration of Ornette Coleman‘s harmolodic approach and the London Philharmonic Orchestra‘s classical was a fluidly shifting attraction of opposing magnetic poles.

The rambling jazz expressionism of “Urobilin” gains greater focus as the chamber music element assumes control, but never releases its hold over the direction of the piece.  On “Caput Mortuum,” the jazz, classical and Indian music influences continually cross paths, creating an enjoyable uncertainty surrounding the ultimate manifestation of the melodic development.  And then there’s the severe personality changes of “Icterine,” leading to a narrative that annihilates assumptions and could lead just about anywhere.

This absorbing session has all kinds of little surprises to offer, and they’re couched in an endlessly curious beauty.

Your album personnel:  Anders Lønne Grønseth (soprano, baritone & tenor saxophones, bass clarinet), Hanne Rekdal (concert, alto & bass flutes, bassoon), Morten Barrikmo (soprano, bass & contrabass clarinets), Martin Taxt (tuba), Sigrun Eng (cello), Audun Ellingsen (double bass), Anders Aarum (piano, Fender Rhodes) and Andreas Bratlie (tabla, percussion).

Released on Pling Music.

Music from the Oslo, Norway scene.

Available at:  Amazon | eMusic