Blikan
April, 2021
8/10
A Danish artist whose interest in the saxophone goes all the way back to age 12, Cecilie Strange brings in Peter Rosendal, Thommy Andersson and Jakob Hoyer for this 3rd solo album that was recorded over a two day session in June of 2019.
“Eudaimonia” starts the listen with elegant, soft piano from Rosendal and bare but effective drums from Hoyer, as Strange’s warm, mesmerizing saxophone guides the cozy atmosphere, and “The Clearing” follows with strong attention to atmosphere, where hypnotic keys and carefully plucked bass add much to the dreamy climate.
In the middle, “When Sunny Smiles” moves cautiously yet playfully, as the drums, bass and keys all interact unpredictably, while “Wild Flower” recruits much ambience where soulful flourishes of sax are met with subdued drums and light keys.
Deeper still, “Jag vet en dejlig rosa” resides closer to experimental territory, complete with both beauty and noise that displays quivering sax amid frisky drumming, and “Arise” exits the listen with sublime bass work from Andersson and plenty of detail to mood as restraint and playfulness surround the fascinating finish.
Amazingly, this was Strange’s first time playing with the trio, and Blikan is the 2nd album to come from those sessions. Not so surprisingly, it continues the rich, dynamic vision that Strange embraces, where contemporary and free jazz exploration is executed in skilled, challenging ways that keeps the listener enthralled.
Travels well with: Mark Lewis Quartet- Naked Animals; Steve Gadd Band- At Blue Note Tokyo