Three master musicians - Norwegian guitarist Frode Kjekstad, UK guitarist and Cuban drummer Raciel Torre - at the top of their game deliver an album that captures the essence of jazz's most elusive qualities: spontaneity, mystery, and thrill. With guitar, organ, and drums, we're treated to a collection of tracks that range from fireball improvisation to smoky, late-night jazz moods, all while maintaining a sense of playful intrigue and subtle tension.
Dirt epitomises the essence of the album and indeed of gritty jazz. The groove is raw, the melody is infectious, the trio dives deep into the pocket. The guitar, with its crystal-clear tone, cuts through like a sharp knife, while the Hammond swells with soulful flourishes. The drums drive the piece forward with a relentless, almost mechanically precise rhythm, yet there's a sense of freedom in the air - a perfect combination of structure and swing.
A Night at Zita treats us to well-furnished, laid-back funk with radiant releases as Frode's octaves soar over Roy's chords delivered through his whirling Leslie cabinet.
Song for M is a beautiful, heartfelt ballad, a moment of intimacy.
The title track Jazz Detectives kicks off with a unison theme leading to virtuoso soloing from Frode and Roy underlaid by crisp fills and constant, driving rhythmic patterns courtesy of Raciel. And - it simply doesn't get Bluesier than Blues for Runi and I Got the Blues!
Just as jazz musicians improvise while staying within a framework, a jazz detective might approach a problem with flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to explore different angles, while also applying critical thinking and observation to make sense of clues or data. This band highlights a balance of creativity and logic.
Frode Kjekstad: guitar
Roy Powell: Hammond organ
Raciel Torre: drums
