Jansson Cbr

Bassist Arild Andersen may not be one of ECM's best-known bandleaders (to Americans, that is), but that hasn't stopped him from amassing an impressive catalog as one of the label's senior statesmen. Andersen himself comments in the liner notes at how fortunate and surprised he was when looking back over his catalog and realizing how many younger players graced his sides. The evidence, however, is that Andersen is too humble: his guidance is like a beacon in bringing the best out of many who would become leaders in their own right. A fine example is on "Vanilje," which opens the album and comes from the Masqualero album. Here Andersen, Jon Balke, and drummer Jon Christensen host two stunning players on the front line, young saxophonist Tore Brunborg and a fresh-faced Nils Petter Molvaer on trumpet.

Nature / Existence is the impressive debut album from this Venezuelan collective who are based around a sextet of musicians which is further expanded by four guest vocalists - Carl Webb ('Oceanworks'), Tobias Jansson ('The Law', 'Silent Scythe'), Nick Storr ('The Third Ending') and Pedro Castillo ('Tempano/Aditus') - a smattering of saxophone and, on one composition, a Chamber String Quartet. And in keeping with the bands Latin origins they also incorporate traditional folk music, backed up by the appearance of a cuatro (a traditional Venezuelan folk instrument similar to a ukulele, apparently). Emerging back in 2005 and being welcomed in their prog-starved homeland, Echoes have taken their time in crafting their debut opus and, without the burden of expectation that can hamper releases by established artists, it proves to have been well worth the wait…

The passionately played opening piano notes on the first song "Lines Are Drawn Again" suggest a great retro prog rock sound that harkens back to the earliest days of the 70's with a singer whose delivery may sound monotone at first but he will reveal incredible depth and expression with each subsequent track…

Hailing from Soderhamn, Sweden, Wolverine was formed in 1995 by Stefan Zell (bass, vocals) and Marcus Losbjer (drums, backing vocals). They were soon joined by Stefan's younger brother Mikael (guitar), followed by Andreas Baglien (keyboards, organ) and Carl-Henrik Landegren (guitar) as their sound evolved into melodic progressive metal.
During summer 2001, the band travelled to Germany to record their debut studio album, "The Window Purpose" (2001) by which time, guitarist Landegren had left the band, to be replaced by Per Per Broddesson, while second bassist Thomas Jansson was later added to free Stefan Zell up for some of the vocal passages…