Bobo Stenson Trio - Contra La Indecisión (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

The great Swedish trio of Bobo Stenson takes a stand against indecision in a decisively beautiful new album. As ever, the trio draws upon a wide range of source materials. A yearning title song by Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, Bartók’s adaptation of a Slovak folk song, a piece from Mompou’s Cançons I Danses collection, and Erik Satie’s Elégie are integrated into the programme, alongside original compositions by Stenson and Anders Jormin and group improvising. So strong is the group’s character and the musical identity of each of its members that the integration of this material always feels organic and logical. Stenson’s lyrical touch, Jormin’s folk-flavoured arco bass and Jon Fält’s flickering, textural drumming are all well-displayed on Contra la indecision, the trio’s first new recording in six years. Produced by Manfred Eicher, the album was recorded at Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI studio in May 2017.

"Stenson's strong suits have always been his playing—his mastery of the measured build up—and his talent for arraigning other's compositions to put a unique stamp on each. His blending of classical, jazz and folk influences and uncommon time signatures has led to comparisons (not necessarily precise ones) with Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau. Stenson's own style is easily recognizable and is especially well-served in the company of Jormin and Fält. Not all of Stenson's work has the bursts of color that we hear in Contra La Indecision and that makes it one of his most interesting albums to date." (AllAboutJazz)

Tracklist:
1. Canción Contra La Indecisión (04:12)
2. Doubt Thou the Stars (07:57)
3. Wedding Song From Poniky (07:26)
4. Three Shades of a House (07:11)
5. Élégie (06:11)
6. Canción Y Danza VI (05:14)
7. Alice (06:19)
8. Oktoberhavet (05:52)
9. Kalimba Impressions (03:12)
10. Stilla (04:27)
11. Hemingway Intonations (06:40)

Personnel:
Bobo Stenson, piano
Anders Jormin, double bass
Jon Falt, drums