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ANDERS KOPPEL_HENRIK DAM THOMSEN_Still L
ANDERS KOPPEL/ HENRIK DAM THOMSEN
Still Life
(2020 - Dacapo Records - Germany)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKLKB2ux5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_cLL-te8U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skEF5xcf2tU&list=RDmQ_cLL-te8U&index=9

For worldwide ease of purchase (free US shipping)
https://naxosdirect.com/items/still-life-543410

 Prolific Danish composer and keyboardist (among many other instruments) formerly known for co-founding (with his brother Thomas Koppel) the early psychedelic avant-garde band Savage Rose, and being in the trio Bazaar for over 3 decades, has released brilliant solo albums and explored the many facets of jazz, folk, world, and classical. With this project, he teams up with musical associate Henrik Dam Thomsen, a solo cellist in The Danish National Symphony Orchestra. One might think things would be limited with just organ and cello as main foundation but all the elements of suspense, eerie atmosphere, good times, beauty, just enough surprise, and even a sly dose of humor when needed.

While the framework of the music are written compositions by Koppel, the rest is kept open for interpretation and allows both artists to improvise freely. This is what keeps the music fresh and with those aforementioned qualities. It is a successful recipe Koppel has used multiple times in his career. If you wish to know something particular about this recording, it does feature the original Hammond organ from 1970 that was bought for Anders by his father, and a cello from 1680 owned by Thomsen. Going through a bundle of styles to create the 15 pieces of musical imagery, the listener gets a carousel of impressions and brain food.

If you wonder about the title, it ably refers to the time of night. One can instantly hear the almost film noir flavor in some tunes, although not at all in total. The variety of climate depends on the song's subject matter. Just understand it all is intended to be situations in the evening to late hour times. Koppel has said before that he has never written in terms of genre. Since loving his early work and deeming his masterful solo (which was issued on CD some years back) album 'Aftenlandet & Regnbuefuglen' (1977) one of my all time favorite recording in the "extraordinarily unique" category, I have followed his output. He ranks as one of my most admired artists period! Thomsen already said their work as a duo will continue so we do have more music to look forward to. I will be sure to delve into more of Henrik's releases as well. I for one will be ready for the next collaboration with these two superb creators. RECOMMENDED.

 ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson  12 - 20 - 2020

 
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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