Jon Irabagon, John Hegre and Nils Are Dronen - Axis
by Keith How
published: 17 / 3 / 2017

Label:
Rune Grammofon
Format: CD
intro
Challenging but enthralling new album from highly-rated Norwegian/American modern jazz trio Irabagadon, Hegre and Dronen
'Axis' is a two track excursion into the far realms of what you could refer to as “modern avant jazz”. This Norwegian/American trio step right up and take you into seemingly uncharted territory providing alternative street maps to two cities, Berlin And Fukuoka. 'Axis' is not dinner party music or easy listening. Only after a couple of listens does the album reveal its pure audaciousness. At first listen the album appears impenetrable. The first track 'Berlin' begins as a meditation. Ibrabagon’s saxophone appears to be in an exploratory state quietly meandering between percussive interplay before moving into a second movement of intense wails and moans of fiery percussion and guitar. The third apparent “movement “ finds the trio more restrained weaving in and out with short, sharp riffs and licks before returning to a wild conclusion. 'Berlin' at seventeen minutes is a journey into the heart of the city.The opening section is an arrival, letting you quietly find your way in a new city before the intensity of the street. The final section lets you wander lost without a map in dangerous and unfamiliar places. The interplay between the band is astonishingly complex yet refined, twisting and turning with a dynamic cohesion that is almost unbelievable. 'Fukuoka' features flashes of controlled improvisation, guitar and saxophone are like Samurai swordsmen, blades clashing furiously in the sunlight, stepping back into moments of contemplation. The piece is a triumph of invention and performance. Irabagon is masterful, his saxophone softly moaning and sighing then exploding into a massive riffs before subsiding into quietness. Almost volcanic in intensity he is electric. Hegre’s guitar is intelligent, often understated,a chord carefully inserted or solo rippling like a mountain stream. Dronen’s percussive work is absolutely peerless, intuitively responding to the others with the power of a rock drummer and the touch of an artist. Berlin we know. Fukuoka is a city on the Japanese island of Kyushu and 'Axis' is city music! A challenging listen that has rewards if you persevere. Not everyone’s cup of tea. The question is “Can you dig it?”
Track Listing:-
1 Berlin2 Fukuoka
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/jonirabagonmusic/http://jonirabagon.com/
Label Links:-
http://www.runegrammofon.com/https://www.facebook.com/Rune-Grammofon-267695363296413
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart