A Tonic For The Troops – Realm Of Opportunities

Odin

As a break from providing essential rhythmic momentum to the likes of Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and the Hedvig Mollestad Trio, A Tonic For The Troops is bassist Ellen Brekken‘s opportunity to step forward and take the reins.

For their second album, saxman Magnus Bakken, pianist Espen Berg and drummer Magnus Sefaniassen Eide are back for a second outing with five exploratory pieces using the basis of post-bop as a springboard to other places.

There is a real sense of joy in the opening confection as “Realm Of Opportunities'” camera shutter percussion ushers the players in a skyward direction, with piano simmering gently while the sax drifts over the top. There is something festive about this piece that causes an involuntary smile, but “Song For The Resilient” has a far more reflective feel to it. Written with the suffering of women in Iraq and Afghanistan in mind, the meditative piano and mournful sax echo a kind of despair.

The rushing drums are an urge for empowerment and when reins are passed to the piano, there is a mood lift that is that is supported by the bass and resilience is the key here. Like those suffering, the group looks for the positive and when all are engaged in an urge for empowerment, it becomes a cri de coeur with dramatic drum fills jostling the listener out of their reverie.

Across the album, the sax is so tonally gentle and brings a winter-coat warmth to “Jon” and draws subtlety from the others. Although these pieces are written by Ellen, she seems more than happy to let them go and for the rest of the quartet to colour in her sketches in the most becoming manner. It doesn’t mean she isn’t averse to stepping out for a solo and the one that appears on “Jon” is beautifully pitched, the other three circling around, respectful in their handovers.

“Arctic Waltz” has a delicate touch that could find the likes of Deano strolling in midway through to croon over the top; a slow percussive shuffle that lowers the lights as the final couple of the night drifts slowly around the room, brandy-eyed and in love for now. Espen saunters up and down the keyboard as the rhythm section searches for a way to send the couple home.

The exuberance of closer “A Cup Of Ambition” is infectious and sweeps away the sleepy remains of what came before. The bass dances in the most joyful manner and the way they inject the classic bop sound with some modish intonations to keep it thriving and relevant is lovely, even injecting a hint of mambo before it is whirled away.

This is a delightful blast of modern jazz that highlights all the players, yet also revels in their synthesis, proving that Ellen is a composer with an elegant touch and generosity of spirit. Bring on number three.

-Mr Olivetti-