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A Wizards Journey

(2005, Tutl HJF 116)

Despite all its intensity the Faroese production in the mixed rear of folk and jazz has a slightly depressing side. Already with the very first bar one hears the sound of long heavy rains falling, for days on end, down the islands where according to the old tradition, the graves are positioned in the direction of the sea.

The opening piece of the debut album by the drums master Brandur Jacobsen gives the listener the same impression: as if one could hear a funeral march carried out by a lightly blown trumpet and supported by penetrating drumming. It must not be easy to live in those Islands, but it must be even harder to leave that place...

And then the sky is clearing up and real cheerful sounds are breaking through. The trumpeter Ólavur Olsen is freeing himself in is play with determination, while Búi E. Dam lets his guitar spin around until it’s reminded of Terje Rypdal's flickering play. All this accompanied by the deep sound of Mikael Blak’s double bass. A sensitive and elegiac jazz arises. In a subtle and delicate way it creates a mood full of happy anticipation. Pure magic.

-Frank Kiel


	A Wizards Journey (2005, Tutl HJF 116) REVIEW TAKEN FROM NORDISCHE-MUSIK.DE Despite all its intensity the Faroese production in the mixed rear of folk and jazz has a slightly depressing side. Already with the very first bar one hears the sound of long heavy rains falling, for days on end, down the islands where according to the old tradition, the graves are positioned in the direction of the sea. The opening piece of the debut album by the drums master Brandur Jacobsen gives the listener the same impression: as if one could hear a funeral march carried out by a lightly blown trumpet and supported by penetrating drumming. It must not be easy to live in those Islands, but it must be even harder to leave that place... And then the sky is clearing up and real cheerful sounds are breaking through. The trumpeter Ólavur Olsen is freeing himself in is play with determination, while Búi E. Dam lets his guitar spin around until it’s reminded of Terje Rypdal's flickering play. All this accompanied by the deep sound of Mikael Blak’s double bass. A sensitive and elegiac jazz arises. In a subtle and delicate way it creates a mood full of happy anticipation. Pure magic. -Frank Kiel