Sunday, June 8, 2008

NYBAKAT – NYBAKAT (MINDOORS MUSIC)


NYBAKAT – NYBAKAT (MINDOORS MUSIC)

In a world where too often pretension appears to rule too many roosts it is sometimes easy to be charmed by a release coming towards you that feels as if it is being played out of the sheer joy of recording and expression.

Hailing from Sweden, Nybakat are an infectious four piece presenting breezy jazz compositions in a very earnest and tune filled manner avoiding falling into avant garde pitfalls in preference to serving the listener with a delightful manifestation.

Translated into English, Nybakat is “just baked” suggesting that the music held within is fresh, delivered in a modern style and freedom of current composition. There is a sense of fun that oozes from this album and although it is not necessarily at the expense of the listener you do get the impression that it might be the players that are having slightly most enjoyment from the playing of the music.

As I listen to this now the sun is out in full force and accompanied with these strains it all serves to add a new degree of joy to proceedings.

Unfortunately as with most jazz it doesn’t fail to fall into the cheesy as arrangements become too traditional and ethnic for close minded ears, too upbeat and jolly serving to fall into such fromage traps. From a universal perspective it begins to feel out of touch with regards coming from a slanted perspective of proceedings, of soughting adventure and experimentation. It’s the clarinet’s fault, this is not an instrument that should be leading.

From here the album struggles to regain its early composed euphoria as all remains light in some kind of tainted eighties US TV comedy show opening credits style as opposed to an awakening and morning after motion. I can’t help but feel the variation/version of my head being represented here is just an all too clear one.

The addition of vocals to tracks comes as a mixed blessing, sometimes adding a new level/sense of humanity while at other times lending a monstrous degree of snobbishness.

Happily the album ends on a high with “Varvindar Friska” towering in majestic fashion, adding a downbeat air that feels so missing but desired of this record. As ever throughout the process I find myself experiencing a whole host of conflicting emotions and the need to listen more intently for something I sadly just do not think is there on this occasion.

So close.

Thesaurus moment: taxi.

Nybakat
Mindoors Music

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