Out of the big band excess of Large Unit comes a new trio: trombonist Mats Äleklint and tubaist Per-Åke Holmlander, and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love have joined forces to create a new Swedish/Norwegian union. While these three have been heard together many times, both in Large Unit and other projects, the unusual trio line-up of trombone, tuba and drums makes for an refreshing new take on things. With no bassist or reeds involved, this really can’t be labeled free jazz, but it’s definitely free music. While Nilssen-Love was never a man of restraint, with two of the world’s most versatile brass improvisers going at it he able to be completely free in his approach. And this playfulness is certainly what makes Fish & Steel’s debut album such an exciting release.
Produced by Fish & Steel. Recorded live in concert at Blow Out concert series at Kafé Hærverk, Oslo, Norway, 25th September 2018 by Stig Gunnar Ringen, and Sångbolaget, Stockholm, Sweden, 28th September 2018, by Mats Äleklint. Mixed and mastered by Mats Äleklint. Cover by Lasse Marhaug.
My afternoon is a great one, thanks to this new music from Ken Vandermark! He leads a large ensemble as they explore some wonderful, new territory in creative music. Happy dance time! 😎 Rick Mathis