Description

“An avant-garde jazz composition based on the songs of ’50s rocker Little Richard. Really? Yep, that’s the premise behind Swedish reedman Mats Gustafsson’s large scale work recorded at the Krakow Jazz Autumn in 2013. Although best known for his small group output with The Thing and Fire!, Gustafsson has regularly assembled bigger groupings during his career, most recently his Fire! Orchestra. Through a festival commission, Gustafsson was granted the opportunity to convene the 12-strong all star Nu Ensemble which rehearsed for four days, before performing “Knockin'” on the last evening.

All the fruits of the residency, including solo and group improvisations, were collected in a sumptuous 5 CD, 2 LP, 1 DVD box set, also entitled Hidros 6: Knockin’, (Not Two, 2014). Perhaps calculating that the size of that package militated against a wide circulation, Not Two has now issued the final concert as a single 70-minute CD to allow this extraordinary concept to receive the attention it deserves.

A significant part of the success is down to the amazing tour de force by Norwegian experimental vocalist Stine Janvind Motland who brings an affecting mix of vulnerability, sexuality and sheer prowess to the party. Gustafsson selected a line from each of 20 favorite Little Richard songs to serve as the basic text for Motland to embroider. Via a graphic score Gustafsson also ensures ample solo space for his illustrious cast, as well as composed sections peppered throughout the performance.” -John Sharpe, All About Jazz

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