Sunna Gunnlaugs: Cielito Lindo

Sunna Gunnlaugs
Cielito Lindo (SunnySky Records, 2015)
Sunna Gunnlaugs (piano)
Þorgrímur Jónsson (bass)
Scott McLemore (drums)

Another beautiful stroke from the very understated Icelandic pianist. I have been an immense fan for a few years now. Cielito Lindo is a steady, rhythmic and colourful session that stays with you few hours after each listen.

"Cielito Lindo," sets the adventurous tone as the group further explores Spanish rthyhms throughout each of its recent releases. "Dry Cycle," is another evidence of Gunnlaugs playful nature but with exact precisions and contemplative construction from both Jonsson and McLemore. It's probably one of my favorite Gunnalaugs pieces across all of her records.

"Icelandic Blues" and "Summertime" are both tight and different prospectives for Gunnaluags trio. "Icelandic Blues" showcases the trios swift ability move from intricate blues, gospel tinge to slight frenetic improvisation and back again. Sublime. While "Summertime" is a different animal altogether. An almost experimental deconstruction of the Gershwin standard. This is where Jonsson and McLemore shine and Gunnlaugs shows (for me at least) that she is reaching Keith Jarrett highest in her performances.

Cielito Lindo is another powerful and emotional piece of work in the cannon of Sunna Gunnlaugs material. I am hoping as her music becomes more important overseas that more US listener realize that there is another important musician on the scene.

Sunna Gunnlaugs: Distilled

Sunna Gunnlaugs (piano)
Distilled (Sunny Sky; 2013)
Scott McLemore (drums)
Thorgrimur Jonsson (bass)

Sunna Gunnlaugs has always brought a wonderful balance of European and American influences to her work. Her recent trio session, Long Pair Bond is a great example of her growing vision and creativity. But the new an just released, Distilled, is probably the brightest of all her releases to date. While I have compared Gunnlaugs to Jarrett and Hersch, on Distilled, her freshness reminds me of a younger Herbie Hancock, Hank Jones or even Harold Mabern.

The session is performed by the same Long Pair Bond trio of McLemore, Gunnlaugs and Thorgimur. But here, they all feel free and seem to be having a blast in the studio. I got the sense on Long Pair Bond, but with Distilled it just seems like they really felt comfortable with each composers material and have played together so long that this might have been the session they were dreaming about the night before they step into the studio.

"Momento" is the lovely late night opening that could accompany the sultry walk of your special love as you both meet for the first time. Gunnlaugs keys are playful but romantic. Thorgimur and McLemore add the soft but sensual backbeat. "Distilled" and "Switcheroo" both ballads in nature, present opportunities for the trio to stretch and extend conversations. Gunnlaugs does a sweet calculation of notes on "Distilled" which feels like a soothing llulaby. While "Switcheroo" sees each member speaking to one another in improvised tones that will make the listener laugh as well as sit in a little bit of bluesy awe at how stunning the musicianship is on the piece.

"Things You Should Know" has the authenticity and folkish quality that Gunnlaugs seems to have gained form her current tours of the East Coast of the U.S. But Gunnlaugs energy and song structures make for a perfectly constructed midtempo cross country journey. I loved the loneliness of "Opposite Side." This is very much my favourite track on the record. The conversation between Thorgimur and Gunnlaugs is sublime and is only enhanced by slow brush tones from McLemore's kit. A real delicate and beautiful display molded into a five minute love poem.

With Distilled, Sunna Gunnlaugs takes one more impressive step in solidifying her name amongst many in the jazz community, as one to watch out for. While many of my favourite pianists perform in the more free form or minimalist tradition; Gunnlaugs, like Fred Hersch, keeps the creativity of a traditionalist alive. But with a unique style and verve. Distilled is another brilliant example of that and more. Highly, highly recommended.

Scott McLemore: Remote Location

Scott McLemore (drums)

Remote Location (Sunny Sky; 2012)

Óskar Guðjónsson (sax) 

Andrés Thor (guitar)

Sunna Gunnlaugs (piano)

Róbert Þórhallsson (bass)

I've said before that Scott McLemore has this great versatility. It's akin to Paul Motian or Billy Higgins. He moves effortlessly between gentle and fierce that the listener is never really surprised. Also, since his last album as leader, Found Music, his writing as grown immensely. Through his projects with ASA Trio and Sunna Gunnluags, McLemore has crafted a compositional skill that is both relaxed and very studied. A reflective writer that allows his group room to breathe and expand. All this is very clear on his second album out in front, Remote Location.

And mature is definitely how this outing sounds. "Remote Location" while thematically it might reference a distant place, it also gives you sense of place within yourself. An introspective feeling but with outward emotion. Porhallsson and Gunnlaugs share some beautiful exchanges within McLemore's timely construction.

"Citizen Sitting Zen" is blissful with its chirping bird sounds just underneath the Porhallsson's bass and Thor's infinite guitar. A piece that gently moves forward and back between Guojonsson's soothing melody and Gunnlaugs precision tones on piano.

McLemore continually shows his skill as a leader, allowing the quintet to freely revolve and craft the tunes. "Charlottesville" and "Woods At Night" are possibly the most contemporary I've heard McLemore from the writing perspective. They're both laid back with an almost West Coast style that is enjoyable and pleasing. McLemore's kit reverberates with grace and beauty.  More prominent on "Woods At Night," but both having a very personal feel that you will immediately connect with at first spin.

"Movement For Motian" is a loving dedication to the late drummer. The timing and emotion that slide through Thor's guitar and Guojonsson's sax add distinct colour and fragility. McLemore's touch is understated, just like the legendary drummer. A perfect and solemn tribute.

Remote Location is wonderful step forward for Scott McLemore as a composer and leader. His style, patience and performance is quietly gaining steam. You would be best to jump on board this train before it gets too crowded. Remote Location just might creep up on you and become one of your favourite records this year. It has for me...Highly Recommended.

Andres Thor: Monokrom

Andres Thor (guitar)

Monokrom (Dimma; 2012)

Scott McLemore (drums)

Porgrimur Jonsson (bass)

Agnar Magnusson (piano)

Taking time off from their more electric outings as ASA Trio, the band members have returned to working on solo material. The first to release new material this year is guitarist, Andres Thor. His third solo album, Monokrom, is a fusion of traditional melodies and modern harmonics. Joining him are his fellow ASA Trio mates and Porgrimur Jonsson on drums. This fully formed quartet brings out the best in each musician over the course of almost 60 minutes.

Thor's sound continues to mature and move from strength to strength but always with calm and a playful attitude, Thor demonstrates an excellence balance between Wes Montgomery tradition and Bill Frisell or John Abercrombie modern folk. "Monokrom" opens with a sense of fruitfulness and pleasure. Soft, romantic tones emitting from Thor's guitar and accompanied with sweet agility by Magnusson. With "Pink Wilco," Thor has written a piece that allows Jonsson and Magnusson to slide in and out seamlessly with his blues like melody.

Thor displays a great deal of passion in his performances throughout Monokrom. That Frisell vibe I spoke of early is noticeable on the folkish ballad "Heima." It has a wonderful and joyous feeling to it that gives a real sense of a travelogue. Injecting a little bit of funk into the session with "1922," Thor and rest of the band begin to flex their muscle. A forceful rhythm from McLemore and penetrating notes by both Jonsson and Magnusson make "1922" a rise and infectious number that is enhanced by the echo of Thor's lap guitar.

"Sjavargrund" is a midtempo ballad with a tinge of Brazilian flavor. Thor's playing feels very comfortable in every setting. McLemore and Jonsson provide smooth lush colors that open the sound for Magnusson's keyboards. "Munchen" is a sharp and intense closing number with the group in full swing. Each member has a shining moment on this track. Magnusson is back on piano with a rich clarity. Jonsson's bass is vibrant and McLemore rips lines with ease. All the while Thor's guitar gently cuts a path for the musicians to follow.

Monokrom is strong work from a group that knows each other inside and out. Here Andres Thor has written the right material that allows not only his musicianship to shine but also illustrates his sense of adventure and ability to move freely in different forms. This is one of those superb outings that every jazz fan would be silly to miss. 

Sunna Gunnlaugs: Long Pair Bond

Sunna Gunnlaugs (piano)

Long Pair Bond  (self produced; 2011)

Scott McLemore (drums)

Thorgrimur Jonsson (bass)

I discovered Sunna Gunnlaugs only earlier this year, but since then I have consumed alot of her music and have been truly captivated. Her style is intimate and her use of space is exciting and has you hanging on every note.

Sunna Gunnlaugs is an independent artist who has created her own path with seven unbelievable albums that go from strength to strength. I loved her last album The Dream (in fact I raved about it). But I think her new album, Long Pair Bond is phenomenal! An even more intimate and introspective album than its predecessor, Gunnlaugs continues to elevate as a composer and a musician.

The trio setting demands more of the listener. It's an opportunity to absorb the emotion of the session and feel the movement of each instrument. "Long Pair Bond" sets sail with a lovely tone. Gunnlaug's playing carries you along slowly and gently down a rugged stream. Jonsson's bass fills the room but never overpowers the notes. McLemore adds poignant timing that gives a "Long Pair Bond" an additional punch towards its conclusion. On "Thema" Gunnlaugs and Jonsson's mixture of Latin and classical merged into a solemn progression that somehow is still quietly uplifting.

"Crab Cannon," a piece originally performed by the same trio a year ago, sounds more invigorating here in the studio. The production is obviously more crisp than its live sister version but Gunnlaugs obviously performed this piece on a number of occasions so this version delivers more impact through experience. McLemore's drummer jumps out with freedom and spirit that should really get any listener excited. "Fyrir Byrnhildi", a richly driven piece buoyed by Jonsson and Gunnlaugs, is warm and inviting. A delicately crafted number with almost gospel touches that has quietly become my personal favourite on Long Pair Bond.

"Vicious World" closes the album beautifully, with the focus squarely on Gunnlaugs. McLemore and Jonsson add light swatches of colour to the outside but momentum lays within the vibrant and inspirational performance of Gunnlaugs. This is an intimate piece that would probably bring the house down in a large recital hall.

In the independent spirit of the 21st Century, Sunna Gunnlaugs has taken the exciting and adventurous journey into the fan-supported release world (a grass-roots version of venture capital). Utilizing the organization of Kickstarter we can all support the physical production of Long Pair Bond with a small donation to the creation of the album. There are a number of different levels of support that we can contribute. Each with the right and appropriate reward for you.

This is a great opportunity for artists and fans to be a part of something special. If you are a fan of Sunna. A fan of jazz. A fan of exemplary jazz. Then this is an opportunity for us all to put our collective spirit and force together for the good of great music.

Join Sunna Gunnlaugs and enjoy a truly phenomenal album--Long Pair Bond.