A very inspiring project for the splendid Norwegian vocalist
contempo.jazz | San Francisco/London | 08/18/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Singer Silje Nergaard is something of a national icon in her native Norway and Scandinavian countries, selling staggering amounts of records and winning just about every music prize that exists and it's no surprise when you hear her sing.
Possessing an angelic vocal ability that is tempered by a husky, honeyed tone, Nergaard returns with a new excellent album, which is to repeat the success of her well received 2004 album Nightwatch.
A sophisticated song writer who has embraced much of the cool contemporary sounds of the much feted Norwegian nu-jazz scene, hers is a very contemporary take on the jazz vocal tradition, yet far from a detached performer, her music is life affirming and joyful as Ella or Nina sounded in their prime.
As internationally acclaimed as she is, the successful, she has recorded this sublime new album "Darkness Out of Blue", with a new approach and a new band, this is her first new album in three years. Showcasing her writing and arranging on a complete set of orginal songs Silje says of the album; "This has been a very inspiring project. It feels extremely important, and I sense it is the beginning of something new."
It's a more pop-oriented album but the terrific, candy-voiced Norwegian singer is at her best.
She has also used the legendary composer/arranger Vince Mendoza to arrange two of her songs; "Paperboats" and "Let Me Be Troubled", the first and the last song on the album.
"Darkness Out Of Blue" shows her wide range of influences better than any of her previous discs; but as Silje says, this is a reflection of herself. "Everything I have done, is done out of my own world. My roots are many different places. I am not ruled by genres and their regulations, and I believe my strength is that I create something which is totally mine."
Thus she draws from the classic and the modern from iconic female singers Ella Fitzgerald and Emmy-Lou Harris, to the melodic sound of Bill Evans to the deep dance ambiance of Zero 7, all combining to make something unique, new and entrancing.
Silje's band still includes long time friends guitarist Bjørn Charles Dreyer and the drummer Jarle Vespestad, while new collaborators include Helge Lien and Finn Guttormsen on piano and bass represent the new contribution; both extremely talented musicians with diverse backgrounds, but with jazz as their first love.
As she says, in her "It was time for change and renewing", and what incredible results that has brought.
I am loving it !
You will love it!
Port of Call
At First Light
"
Nice discover !
contempo.jazz | 05/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was really pleased to discover recently in Hong Kong this norwegian singer with an excellent group of talented musicians . Silje write her own music and has the feeling to take you in this jazzy mood waters, but please don't compare her to Norah Jones , because Silje is much more talented than the annoying Norah ! I will check for her previous CD's ! Thanks for those northern feelings ."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1