Here Now
From Out Here, 2023
9/10
The Copenhagen pianist Søren Bebe has made quite a name for himself in the Scandinavian jazz scene, and here with Kasper Tagel and Knut Finsrud he pens a 7th album of songs that surround gratitude and simplicity.
The title track gets the listen off to a soft and cozy start, where the poetic keys are met with Finsrud’s light drums, and “Tangeri” follows with much attention to mood via the precise piano and Tagel’s subtle but effective bass lines.
“Misha” arrives at the halfway point and emits flowing piano alongside the agile drums, while “folksy (To Jan)” is a highly melodic and upbeat album highlight.
“Summer” and “On And On” exit the listen, where the former relies on firmer drumming and a distinct breeziness, and the latter focuses on Bebe’s fluid piano prowess for the intimate and cautious finish.
A record that takes inspiration from heroes like Tord Gustavsen, Espen Eriksen, Misha Alperin and Jan Johansson, Bebe’s recent relocation to a small village in Denmark provided the impetus for the introspective, groove filled and often melancholic moments of this detailed effort.
Travels well with: Tobie Medland- The Aviary; Paulo Almeida- Oferenda