Search - Jens Johansson :: Fission

High energy, brilliantly performed fusion.

selim36 | 08/23/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, the Johannson brothers (Anders and Jens)have put together an enjoyable fusion effort. "Fission" contains guest appearances by axe specialists- Shawn Lane and Mike Stern. Stellar mucianship combined with intricate compositions make for a great listen. Standout tracks- "Hooded Strangers", Acrostic Shibboleth" and "Race Condition"."

Spring for the extra track.

selim36 | Chicago | 02/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm going to keep this breif, cause I'm sick at the moment. But I love this CD. Sounds like Jaco on bass, but it's all covered by the amazing Jens. Mike Stern and Shawn Lane are tearing it up on this! The import has a bonus track that's 10 min, and it smokes! Go for the gusto!"

Fusion demons

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like this album very much. It is a consistent and imaginative recording. From a musical standpoint this one stands in the same league with all the fusion post modern release but it has a kind of originality of its own. It seems to come from outer space. Keys sounds are amazing. Similar to the sounds you may find in the first Dream Theater album. Better not to talk about Shawn Lane. He blows here with the usual fury and abandon. Lane is unreachable. He stands in a category of his own. Stern is quite good too, but taken apart from standard jazz progression and more common fusion pedals he seems a little out of phase, out of place here. It seems that he doesn't know very well what to do, how to phrase after a solo from that monster that is Shawn Lane. But Stern is always Stern after all. He seems more confortable here where he can plays his trademark bends and be bop influenced phrases. Anyway in the end there's a sort of balance between the two guitar players: more soulful Stern, speed of light mind and fingers from Lane. Jens Johanssen the keyboard player for those of you who don't know who he is, plays the bass too. Strong level. Compositions are articulate, in different tempos, but they maintain a sort of freshness and spontaneity. It is a long album to listen to from the beginning to the end. Probably due to its complexity and richness it needs a quite interested ear. I mean you can probably appreciate it better if you shred it in two or three listening sessions. I know it is an hard to find record. But it deserves the attention of the fusion enthusiast, and of the musicians community in general."