Albums Featuring - Frode Gjerstad
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Catalog Number: Cadence Jazz Records 1227
Han & FrodeHan Bennink (Drums), Frode Gjerstad (Saxophone)An hour of serious interplay by two of the most naturally creative minds—both of them having fun without being cute. “Inderoy” in six parts with flow and energy—this is anything other than more of the same. A refreshing dialogue.
Catalog Number: Cadence Jazz Records 1161
The Welsh ChapelFrode Gjerstad (Alto Saxophone), John Edwards (Bass), Mark Sanders (Drums)This is Frode Gjerstad's 8th Cadence Jazz Records release, every one of them distinct and refreshing. This CD, recorded in a Welsh chapel over a five hour period, finds Frode playing with fresh nuance and renewed passion. To say he is the most dynamic free improviser in Norway is a qualifier this world-class saxman has long outgrown.
Catalog Number: CJR 1126
The Blessing Light: for John StevensFrode Gjerstad (Alto Saxophone), Oyvind Storsund (Bass), Paal Nilssen-Love (Drums)At the time this presented both a new group and platform for Frode, who dedicated the music to his deceased former partner, John Stevens. To quote from the liner notes, “Few sax men alive give the saxophone a workout like Frode Gjerstad. Not just a hell-bent for leather workout, but an excursion with purpose and logic to complement its power and lunge.”
Catalog Number: CJR 1108
UltimaFrode Gjerstad (Alto Saxophone), William Parker (Acoustic Bass), Hamid Drake (Drums)It’s one marathon improv but within that journey some great parts of the whole, wonderful solos, and (all in all) a compelling listen throughout.
Catalog Number: CJR 1099
Invisible TouchFrode Gjerstad (Alto Saxophone), Peter Brotzmann (Tenor Saxophone)You might expect a great density to this session but it has surprising space and variety. Musically you might also expect a lot from these giants and in that you'd be correct. Seven cuts ranging from under two minutes to over seventeen and that live up to the billing.
Catalog Number: CJR 1091
BorealisFrode Gjerstad (Tenor Saxophone), Didrik Ingvaldsen (Trumpet), Oyvind Torvund (Guitar), Oyvind Storesund (Acoustic Bass), John Lilja (Acoustic Bass), Endre Landsnes (Drums), Paal Nilssen-Love (Drums)Here’s Frode with his large group. As the liners say, “Each Frode Gjerstad date has its own concept of focus and addresses itself freshly to those terms.” So say the liners. So says the music.
Catalog Number: CJR 1089
Ikosa MuraFrode Gjerstad (Tenor Saxophone), Bobby Bradford (Trumpet), Borah Bergman (Piano), Pheeroan AkLaff (Drums)This is one of a number of encounters Frode Gjerstad has had with Bobby Bradford. It’s a combination that suggests muscle and thought. And, with Borah Bergman and Pheeroan Aklaff along, the power to pull off strong music.
Catalog Number: CJR 1069
Seeing New York From The EarRashid Bakr (Drums), Frode Gjerstad (Alto Saxophone), William Parker (Acoustic Bass)The companion to CJR 1068. This time Frode’s in New York, live at the original Knitting Factory, and documents the first time he played with Messrs. Bakr and Parker.
Catalog Number: CJR 1068
DetailJohn Stevens (Percussion), Frode Gjerstad (Alto Saxophone), Kent Carter (Bass)Frode is arguably Scandinavia’s finest free jazz saxman. This was the last of the much heralded group, detail (John Stevens died four months later) and the first of a number of Frode’s recordings. As the liners attest, this is playing “with a world class elegance.”
Related Albums on CIMP Records
Catalog Number: CIMP 388
Side By SideFrode Gjerstad, Paal Nilssen-LoveFrode Gjerstad needs no introduction. As one of the most dynamic reedmen in the world, not to mention his native Norway, he has been recorded prolifically and is always interesting. Along with associate Paal Nilssen-Love, the duo "concentrates on the smaller sounds." Not to be confused with pointillism or ambient music this is nevertheless big music of interest.
Catalog Number: CIMP 159
Through the WoodsFrode Gjerstad, Bobby Bradford, Wilber Morris, Newman BakerFrode Gjerstad is a dynamic Norwegian saxman obviously unafraid of the unknown; actually, he embraces it. On this strong quartet date, he matches his aptitudes with Wilber Morris, Newman Baker, and the (legendary?) avant garde trumpeter, Bobby Bradford. They've never sounded better, this is music of emotional and cerebral power. Recorded Sept. 15 & 16, 1997.