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Above Water: "And this is really a brilliant guitarperformance - though Skogheim masters other instruments also" - Ronny Trælvik, Troms Folkeblad
 

Reviews

 

Fædrelandsvennen 01.02.2011.

Digg plink plonk

Jørn Skogheim
New Direction

Curling Legs

1 2 3 4 5 (6)

It’s still very early in the year, but here is the southern (Norwegian) jazz album of the year. Oh, where does one begin when describing a piece work as astonishing as this- because Jørn Skogheim’s latest release New Direction certainly is! I start off with the melodies: they are intricate, yet inviting. They are catchy, but never dull. And they are delicately wrapped and unwrapped by instruments as diverse as vocals, guitar, clarinet, whistling, piano, drums and six-string bass. Fittingly, a very interesting and smiling band graces the album cover. Vocalist and lyrics writer Djamila Skoglund-Voss was born and raised in Kristiansand, as is the case with pianist Bernt Moen, while composer and guitarist Jørn Skogheim has spent 16 years in the city. In collaboration with bassist Roger Williamsen and drummer Klaus Blomvik they have created a record that truly heads in new directions, both melodically, instrumentally and in terms of lyrics. Each improvisation contributes to a larger whole as opposed to fragmenting it, which in turn renders each opus something separate and unique, worthy of repeated listening.
It’s wonderful to observe a guitarist and band leader who is so good that he doesn’t get lost in his own brilliance. This makes comparing Skogheim to greats such as Pat Metheny, Al Di Meola og John McLaughlin only natural. Skogheim’s solo instrumental tribute to his favorite guitar “My Dear Les Paul” is further affirmation of this. For those of you who usually take greater interest in prog than jazz, but whose curiosity was hopefully piqued by such a great record as New Direction: consider this a more joyful King Crimson.

Jacob Berg

 

BT Mobil 10.02.2011.

Digg Plinkplonk
New Direction

Jørn Skogheim
Curling Legs

1 2 3 4 5 (6)

This review from BT Mobil was also printed in Fædrelandsvennen on 01.02.2011.

 

Dagbladet 19.01.2011.

Jørn Skogheim

”New Direction”
(Curling Legs/ Musikkoperatørene)

1 2 3 4 (5) 6

 

A study in elegant playing

Four years have passed since the good album “Above water” and Jørn Skogheim is back with “New Direction”, where the Pat Metheny- sounding guitarist (and clarinet player, let’s not forget) has shrunk his lineup to Roger Williamsen on bass, Klaus Blomvik on drums and the German/Swedish singer/songwriter Djamila Skoglund-Voss. The pianist Bernt Moen is involved in 4 of the 10 tracks, all composed by Jørn Skogheim. The music flows deceptively easy, melodically charged and unobstructed on this album- deceptively because Skogheim’s catchy compositions are anything but simple. The album may lack variety, but Skogheim & co offer beat changes, modulations, melody lines and harmonies that can rival anyone. The musicians are completely in charge, and to top it off, the albums sense of ease is further enhanced by the presence of singer Skoglund-
Voss. She sings noted improvisations with such steadiness and clarity that what is really a challenging performance comes across as effortless.

Terje Mosnes

 

Dagsavisen

Saturday 15.01.2011.

Skogheims New Year’s Project

When Jørn Skogheim opens the Norwegian year of Jazz with ”New Direction”, it’s not a bad start. Some refer to him as the Pat Metheny of Jazz, but the guitarist and clarinet player is certainly his own man, covering vast musical ground with his original material. In 2007 he employed more than a dozen musicians on the impressive album “Above Us”. On “New Direction” the core ensemble of four is represented, with the German-Swedish vocalist Djamila Skoglund-Voss providing solo vocals. It would have been nice to hear her vocals playing a more prominent role, but in this case her voice is used more as an “instrument” with or without lyrics alongside Skogheim’s usual cast of musicians Roger Williamsen, bass, Klaus Blomvik, drums, and
Bernt Moen on piano and synth. Skogheim’s debut was in 2000 with the album “Joy”, performed with musicians hailing from Riga and Canada. He has taught and worked as a musician in Norway, the Baltics and New York City. He has a broad repertoire, with strong guitar solos. He’s also a clarinet player, and every now and then he whistles. Once in a while his
guitar play resembles Pat Metheny, as in the Latin-sounding “The Unexpected Incident”. “Precious Oslo” is a stylish solo performance on guitar synth, and “My Dear Les Paul” is a tribute to the late electric guitar pioneer Les Paul, who passed away last year at the age of 94. Jørn Skogheim is a musician with much on his heart, and you’re free to help yourself to a taste.

Roald Helgheim

Jørn Skogheim playing both guitar and clarinet on his new Album. Photo Kaj Dahl.

Jørn Skogheim: “New Direction”
Curling legs
(Musikkoperatørene)


Oppland Arbeiderblad, 03.02.11.

Pat the Norwegian
Jørn Skogheim:
New Direction
(Curling Legs/
Musikkoperatørene)

1 2 3 4 (5) 6


The Jazz guitarist Jørn Skogheim heads down an exciting road on his new album New Direction, and vocalist Djamila Skoglund-Voss deserves substantial credit for this. With a lively and playful voice, she traverses the various tracks as a whirlwind, shadowing drummer Klaus Blomvik’s lead across the hihat. Jørn Skogheim’s music is both melodic and ambient. The combination of guitar/vocals evoke memories of 90’s heroes Special EFX, although Pat Metheny is clearly the great godfather of Skogheim’s Jazz Universe. The combination of great melody and lyrical guitar defines Pat Metheny, and while Jørn Skogheim never plagiarizes the guitar legend, strokes of Metheny’s guitar brush are heard in the distance. Vocalist Djamila Skoglund-Voss provides the greatest excitement this time around, though the album overflows with wonderful jazz tunes, where the guitar and rhythm section share the spotlight as well.

Frode Hermanrud


Romerikes Blad, 08.02.11.

Playful and intricate

Jørn Skogheim:
“New Direction” (Curling legs/Musikkoperatørene)
11 tracks, length: 1.03.31

 1 2 3 4 (5) 6


Exciting, challenging, playful, artistic, ambient, demanding and at times lengthy… Many compare Jørn Skogheim to Pat Metheny, and he won’t be accused of creating simplistic music. He offers jazz with intricate solos, where he plays the clarinet as much as he does guitar. We find frequent rhythm and tempo changes, all effortlessly performed. As most of the compositions are quite demanding on the listener, the pop-ish and pleasant “Uncertain Steps” offer a break of sorts. The vocalist Djamila Skoglund-Voss largely represents the new direction. In a sense, she’s an additional instrument, with her impressive sense of tonality and dedication.

Thorstein Davidsen

 

Smaalenenes Avis 08.02.2011.

Jørn Skogheim
New Direction
(Curling Legs/Musikkoperatørene)
11 Tracks, length: 1.03.31
1 2 3 4 (5) 6

This review from Smaalenenes Avis was also printed in Romerikes Blad on
08.02.2011.


Troms Folkeblad 19th of February 2011.

CD: New Direction
Artist: Jørn Skogheim
Génre: Jazz

1 2 3 4 (5) 6

Delicasies on guitar and vocals.

Important message to guitar enthusiasts: Watch out for Jørn Skogheim, guitarist and composer from Kristiansand with ancestry from Sørreisa. His “lightjazz record” “New  Direction” is a treasure!

I have known about Jørn Skogheim for several years now. His grandfather Terje Brox from Sørreisa was in his time a very prominent guitarist and two of his sons were also musicians. Based in Kristiansand, Jørn Skogheim has established himself on the Norwegian jazz scene – and has released earlier records that have drawn great superlatives for known jazz
journalists.

The Superlatives which Jørn Skogheim has received have contained comparisons with guitar legend Pat Metheny. This influence is easily found when “New Direction” is put in CD player. Clearly Skogheim has spent numerous of hours listening to Metheny – both his guitar work, improvisations and even the sound is influenced by the American. Similarities in composition and chord progressions are further examples. Very exciting indeed. This is a joy to listen to.

Even the sound production is inspired by Pat Metheny – this open sound with percussion instruments at the forefront. Consequently, the material eases into your ears. This is a record I will play over and over again. This is night music you never get tired of, as I never get tired of listening to Pat Metheny or Chet Baker.

The big surprise is the vocal elements. The German/ Swedish Djamila Skoglund –Voss has herself written all the beautiful lyrics, and sings with a cleanly and smoothly voice, a real pleasure to listen to. All compositions are written by guitarist Jørn Skogheim who also plays the clarinet on this record. Also contributing are Roger Wiliamsen on bass, Klaus Blomvik, drums and Bernt Moen, piano and synths. “New Direction” is recommended to all that love beautiful music. The record is a treasure to own and a relief for those whose senses are open to revelations of beauty.

Reviewed by Tom R. Johansen

 

Vol.no 22nd of february 2011

Suprisingly lovely new jazz

Jørn Skogheim stakes out a new and personal course, with intricate melodies in
a bossa – and jazzlike touch.
1 2 3 4 (5) 6

Tom Sigvald Jenssen:

He accomplishes this with help from the guitar, guitar-synthesizers, the clarinet, some vocals and whistling. The music is very beautifully arranged, unlike most of the jazz music that is released in Norway today. It is tastefully well-made and it is easy recognizable. We get the impression that it is a whole and that the compositions are inter-connected.

The essence of this musical “Cake” is the German/Swedish Djamila Skoglund-Voss who sings her own lyrics. She has a surprisingly bright and beautiful voice. It is like hearing Amanda Parsons from the old English prog rock band National Health. Djamila’s voice is often dubbed with guitar, clarinet and whistling, providing a light and “airy” touch. The overdubs also contribute to the identity.

Whistling is not often found on records, though Jørn handles it nicely on the tune “Uncertain Steps”. He also plays the clarinet with a lovely warm and soft tone, an instrument which we seldom hear. The rhythm guitar evokes memories of Genesis, and the use of guitar synth. add a sense of weightlessness. On the other hand it doesn´t sound artificial, but rather acoustic. The guitar improvisations of Jørn Skogheim are perhaps not the most exciting, he plays a bit too fast, but this does not offend us. The album was recorded 3-4 years ago. He has probably improved his technique since then.

As a composer and arranger Jørn Skogheim has made a record that is accessible yet solid. The Duo of Jørn and Djamila have given us something really beautiful, exciting, complex, accessible and demanding at the same time. But we shall not forget the contributions of the BWM trio, which was considered as one of the most prominent young jazz trios in Norway, during their performance in the Molde jazz festival 2000. Not without reason, they play very nice and the drummer is superb. The accompaniment consists of Roger Williamsen playing the 6 string electric bass, Klaus Blomvik – drums and Bernt Moen from Shining playing the piano and synths.

This is Jørn Skogheim´s third CD, the first was with a large orchestra and was named Above Water, though we have only heard the latest one. If you wonder where he has all this from, a tiny part of the answer is Sørreisa, where he lived during his childhood.

 

Nordlys 16th of February 2011.

Nordlyspuls
CD – recommendation for this Week v/Kjell Moe

Jørn Skogheim
”New Direction” (Curling
Legs/Musikkoperatørene)

With traces from Sørreisa

Jørn Skogheim is convinced that his childhood and where he grew up and his first musical education in Sørreisa is reflected in the music he is creating today. Magnificent natur and nourishing environment for growing up has its contribution, he says
who manage both taking lessons at the local music school and playing in the band before he left the community as a 12 year old. The music on “New Direction” is both original and of free flowing. Skogheim is first of all a guitarist, but on this record which is his third, he is almost as prominent as a clarinetist. In addition he also masters the fine art of whistling, which he is
using in some of the arrangements. Skogheim has made a lot of effort on this production, maybe one can be tempted to say
that it has been a bit too well made. On the other hand no one can accuse him for repeating himself. His third record makes good on its title, teaming up with the previous recordings in making a diverse collection. The German – Swedish vocalist Djamila Skoglund-Voss is the records second main person. She has singelhandedly written the lyrics and the vocal arrangements, and she uses her voice as an instrument and in a classically trained fashion, where she exploits both pop – and choir effects. In many ways her voice fulfills the role that the string players had in Skogheim´s earlier music. Skogheim´s compositions are deeply rooted in melody, but in the same time complex and complicated, harmonically as well as rhytmically. The boundaries between rigid compositions and improvisations are clearly defined . Skogheim is happy to use tecnical and electronic accessories in a way that draws comparisons to Pat Metheny, technique-wise. In other ways we are also reminded of the legendary guitar pioneer Les Paul, especially in the guitar piece Skogheim has called My Dear Les Paul. In addition to Skoglund-Voss he has also gotten help from the so called BWM trio (Roger Williamsen playing six string electric
bass, Klaus Blomvik drums and Bernt Moen piano and various synths).

 

Jazznytt Nr. 02:2011

Jørn Skogheim
”New Direction”

Jørn Skogheim (guitar, clarinet, whistling), Klaus Blomvik (drums),
Djamila Skoglund-Voss (vocal),
Roger Williamsen (electric bass),
Bernt Moen (piano, synth)

CURLING LEGS CLP CD 117

Every once in a while appears the guitarist, composer and bandleader Jørn Skogheim. My first meeting with him was in 2000, releasing his album “Joy”, playing with mostly musicians from Latvia. He made his appearance in 2007 with “Above Water” where gentlemen as Kenneth Ekornes, Bendik Hofseth and Trygve Seim made their contribution. With “New Direction” recorded in 2007 and 2008, he is giving us until now, his very best and most original contribution. Skogheim is writing fascinating and beautiful music which is complicated but in the same time easily understood. Whether it is his guitar, orchestrated guitar synth., clarinet or whistling which is the most important part, he is creating an atmosphere which is most personal. Djamila Skoglund-Voss’ self-made lyrics and performance style - also polyphonic – on several tracks certainly gives “New Direction” – Just as written – a new direction. Klaus Blomvik and Roger Williamsen are playing important parts, in bringing Skogheim’s music to where he wants it to be – they are very much organized in parts of the intricate arrangements. Bernt Moen – in this case far removed from his role model in Shining, provides several examples of what a fantastic pianist he is. All music is written by Jørn Skogheim and both the fundament and the way it is treated and expressed, tells us about a musician that has received all too little attention. “New Direction” can hopefully change that.

Tor Hammerø

 

Aftenposten, Monday 22 of january 2007

Jazzical
Surprise packet
Cd Jazz
Jørn Skogheim
Above Water
(Curling Legs/Musikkoperatørene)
14 track, length 71:13
A 1 2 3 4 (5) 6


Jørn Skogheims "Above Water" should reach outside the borders of Norway. Over six years have passed since Jørn Skogheim's debut album, and the multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger have used these years well. Inspired by the atmosphere of the inner part of the Oslofjord, he has created an album that should elicit international attention. The first listening to the Cd created a bit of ambivalence - where did Skogheim want to go? A track such as "Terror" was confusing - was it the hooligan in him that rebelled against the romantic? Because the performance was as in tune with the title, a piece that did only sparked a headache. When listening once more to the CD, it feels like a Jazz surprise packet. A central part of the recording is a quartet-shuffled according to musical demands, with strings and wind instruments. Towards a backdrop of discreet percussion and synthesizer, viola and violins Trygve Seim does a sublime soprano performance on "My Friend Trygve, while Bendik Hofseth puts in a word or two with "Painful Voyage". Håvard Daae Rognli's mood ewoking viola play must also to be mentioned. "Early Spring" in quartet format sounds as fresh as a spring stream, with inspired solos from Lars Tinderholt, bass and Bernt Moen, piano, and energetic drumming of Klaus Blomvik. Skogheim is not satisfied with just exceptional guitar performances; on some tracks he represents fascinating clarinet play and even whistling in search for new and exiting ways of expressions.


Stein Kagge


Wedensday 17. of january 2007 Dagbladet

Terje Mosnes This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
The first surprise of the year


CD: The gitarist Jørn Skogheim is not an unknown figure in Norwegian jazz, but with his "Above Water" he truly displays a suprisingly ambitious and powerful new way of thinking. Skogheim himself plays different acoustic, electric and electronic guitars effortlessly , he also plays the clarinet and he whistles, and it also has to be mentioned that he has composed and arranged all the music. Save for two exceptions, the music is solidly based on melody and presented partly with a vital sounding jazz quartet (Skogheim plus Bernt Moen, piano; Lars Tinderholt, basses; Klaus Blomvik, drums), but more often from the Quartett plus 3 violinplayers and a violaplayer. To expand the sound, Skogheim has also invited some guests, among them Trygve Seim (soprano), and Bendik Hofseth (tenor) to weave their respective saxophone webs. Even if not all of Skogheim compositions are equally original, the expression he clothes them with is impressive with it's consistent complexity. The many-faceted rhythmics lend a sense of jazz to the often string-dominated sound, and extremely few have surpassed Skogheim's efforts to integrate elements from different musicgenrés such as jazz, fusion, latin and classical chamber music to make an appealing and unified whole, on a cd that is the first big surprise of the year.

Jørn Skogheim
"Above water"
(Curling Legs/Musikkoperatørene)
1 2 3 4 (5) 6
Ambitious, and the first big surprise of the year.


Dagsavisen sunday 14th of january 2007

With much on his heart
The guitarist Jørn Skogheim show a big presentation on "Above water", but the guitarist fulfil the title,s motto, and is floathing trough an eventful album.
Roald Helgheim
jazz on sunday


This is a bit pompous, is my first impression during the band's introduction of the opening piece "Sleepless Night", before Skogheim enters with his guitar and gets things in order, not unlike composer Pat Metheny when he plays with the round tone. The next piece starts in the same manner, with a magnificent arrangement with jazzband and strings as introduction to "Christmas Snowstorm", before we get the first pianosolo from Bernt Moen, a musician we know from youth jazz competitions, and that also puts his stamp on this album in a noticeable fashion. Saxplayer Trygve Seim settles it down in the next opus, and we are just in the beginning of a jazzalbum that is a rarity in contemporary Norwegian music. Composer and arranger Skogheim had his debut in 2000 with his acclaimed album "Joy", featuring musicians from Riga and Canada. He has been teaching and working as a musician both in Norway, The Baltic states and New York city. Skogheim, Klaus Blomvik (drums), Lars Tinderholt (bass) and Bernt Moen (piano) make up a team that first get to showcase their skills on "Early Spring". New constellations enter, Skogheim can also play the clarinet and whistle, and several superb soloists appear on this monumental work, where "Terror" is a musical commentary on the times in which we live, before we settle down with a wonderful violin performance by Håvard Daae Rognli. The record lasts for over 70 minutes, and I think you get the best listening experience if you don't play it all in one stretch. Take your time with this album.


Dagens næringsliv Magasinet 20./21. of january 2007

A nice mix


If you crave a nice, mixed candy-bag of jazz , we recommend a few hectograms of guitar magic from Jørn Skogheim. The beginning is perhaps a bit pompous, but then it feels right. Jørn Skogheim has put together a tremendous and entertaining album, where he displays a repertoire that goes beyond six strings. The Guitarist and composer has been quiet now for six years. The first album , recorded with an assembly of Latvian musicians in 2000, was named "Joy" and lived up to its name. His latest CD is no less fun, as Skogheim has invited a whole caboodle of good friends. Fresh from the candy stand. You can zapp yourself to the track called "To my friend Trygve" right off the bat. Trygve in this context has the surname Seim and is one of the most prominent soprano sax players here in Norway. In interplay with Jørn Skogheims Les Paul this piece becomes a beatiful and meditative composition. Things don't exactly get worse when Skogheim hits the deeper notes and the soloist on tenor sax is called Bendik Hofseth. Then you can sink your teeth into the rest of the record that offers more complex jazz than his first cd. It is other rhytmic figures, other ensemble solutions, and definite more resistance than in the first go 'round. Skogheim offers more classical chamber music, with an extremely talented string quartet, He whistles a bit here and there, and after a while contributes with the guitarsynthesizer. The whole is such an excellent assortement of tasty treats, that it should have been sold at the local candy shop. Without breathing pains. Everything circles around the good melody created by Skogheim himself, and with a constant bow in the direction of the homeland of the bossa -nova, Brasil. A little bit of Gismonti, Jobim and Vasconcelos. And of course lots of greetings to Pat Metheny, without it becoming an issue. The great dynamic of the record appears where the freely improvised meets the strictly arranged and written solo parts. The use of the mentioned strings plus flute and the clarinet creates huge width in sound and give much room for surprises and new tidbits as you snack yourself through the candy bag. The cd's title is not misleading. Skogheim's head is way above water indeed.


Bjørn Olav Nordahl
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Jørn Skogheim
"Above Water"
Curling Legs


Bergens Tidende wedensday 31st of january 2007.

Successful totality
Cd jazz
Jørn Skogheim
"Above water"
Curling Legs
1 2 3 4 (5) 6


Clever mixture of different ingredients With "Above Water" the guitarist Jørn Skogheim courageously attempts to melt together elements from jazz, fusion and classical chambermusic. In addition to the jazzquartet there are also both strings and flute. The measures are also put together with a lot of different variations on this record. And from this he manages to create a whole that is rich in melodic eleganse. Skogheim's recipe is also dangerous as he easily could have gotten himself entangled in nonchalant aesthethical gymnastics. In this case the musicians help avoid that, not least through Bernt Moen's fresh piano performance and Klaus Blomvik's energetic drum play. Bendik Hofseth pitches in on tenor sax, while Trygve Seim on soprano sax contributes technically sound solos that elevates the album's quality to a different level. This however, is Skogheim's album first and foremost. All the music on the album is composed by him. Furthermore, his guitar play is first rate, whether he plays rapidly or slowly. He even plays the clarinet........


Olav Gorseth


Fædrelandsvennen tuesday 16th of january 2007

Aesthete and jazzcomposer
Above water
Jørn Skogheim, (Curling legs)
1 2 3 4 (5) 6


Not often does one listen modern jazz that is so soothing to the ear, so warming for the soul and such an overwhelming aesthetic experience as in this case. The guitarist, clarinetist and composer originates from Tveit in Kristiansand, educated at the college level at the music department HIA. He now releases a cd by the title "Above water". He garnered marvelous critiques for the album "Joy" which was released in year 2000 , recorded with musicians from the Baltic states. Now he appears with some of Norway's finest musicians, and the result is excellent. All compositions, 14 all together, are his own. He plays guitar, sometimes with guitarsynthesizer, and the clarinet. With him appear also Bendik Hofseth, Trygve Seim and Bernt Moen - plus many others that are not only some of the best in the jazz genré but also in the field of classical music. I'm listening, and thinking that Jørn must be a kind man. The music is good for the ear. And then I discover a wellspring of creative musical ideas that he shares with the others. This is jazz, not edgy and fiery, but soft and floathing, as sun beams in quit water. Sometimes it is almost impressionism , with flute tones that remind us of Debussy. Other times it is melodic, with suprising harmonic changes that exite the listener. The titles are kind: "My Friend Trygve", "Early Spring", "Perfect Love", "Inspiration" etc. It sounds beatiful even when the title is "Painful Love" and is dedicated to Bendik Hofseth. Only in the piece with the title "Terror" you do really face resitance - as expected. But then being comforted immediately afterwards in "Håvard's Siesta", where Håvard Rognli gets to caress the strings of his viola in deep, soft and dark strophes before a tender musical background of whistling, synthesizer, guitar and percussion. It is not hard to recommend this-sincerely. Listen and enjoy, and experience that many positive things eminate from the music department of Kristiansand College.


Emil Otto Syvertsen


Exact 2007

Jørn Skogheim
Above Water
Curling Legs/Musikkopereatørene
www.curlinglegs.no
1 2 3 4 (5) 6


As a foundation for this album, the guitarist Jørn Skogheim uses his three close friends and the jazz quartet. It seems he is a man who composes quite a bit, yet uses rather a small amount of what he writes. This because we find unusually great variations of rhythm and arrangement. It sounds like each and every melody has a very good reason for being recorded, and each tune give you a feeling of experiencing something new. With guest musicians such as Trygve Seim, Bendik Hofseth and singer Jane Kelly not only a quality product is assured, but so is musical diversity. String instruments are used successfully on almost every tune. The result is a very rare and wonderful collection of melodic compositions by Skogheim himself. KD


Troms Folkeblad 2007

Exiting and melodic
Jørn Skogheim
"Above water"
(Curling Legs)
1 2 3 4 (5) 6


Jørn Skogheim, born in Sørreisa, has released a new cd. The already well known guitarist serves up jazz-inspired compositions with airy arrangements and extensive rythmics. And this is really a brilliant guitarperformance - though Skogheim masters other instruments also. In addition to this, the string arrangements are floating through the sound. But ther's more. Much more. Teaming up with the jazzguitarist is an elite of musicians. They contribute to the compositions in a creative and rather quit ambitious manner, where several styles meet - among them classical chamber music and also more latin inspired expressions. Jørn Skogheim plays in a superior manner on this cd. The result is an exiting and interesting listening experience.


written by Ronny Trælvik


Dagens næringsliv, Joy, 2001

From Russia With Joy


A Counsul, a nice brother and a Gibson. Jørn Skogheim had all the ingredients needed to make an outstanding jazz album. Innovative, playful. Jørn Skogheim forcefully enters the Norwegian jazz scene Sometimes records are published, but not listened to. At first glance, Jørn Skogheims record appears slightly homemade, but as it turns out it should have been inserted into the cd player much earlier. Because inside this modest cover is music that can melt a frozen Nordic soul. Samba measures combined with playful, melodic jazz performed by quality musicians. This is the short description of listening through Skogheim's first Cd. Skogheim is an unknow entity on the Norwegian jazz scene. But together with a bunch of Latvian musicians and a Canadian sax player, he has accomplished writing and perfoming music that deserves attention. Lots of attention. Maybe it all started when his brother offered him his Gibson guitar. From that time he has been loyal to his Les Paul Custom. That is also some of the a advantages of this record. Skogheim Plays his guitar straight into the amplifier without any mystic effects. Therefore his guitar sound appears both clean and sharp. Or perhaps it all started when Jørn Skogheims buddy introduced him to the Riga jazzfestival. His friend, Erling Johansen, was the counsul for Latvia in Norway, and was of the opinion that Skogheim should travel east. And since then the guitarist has traveled to The Baltic states where he has found the majority of his band. And let us get this straight, the Latvian musicians Maris Briezkalns on drums, Ivars Galenieks on acoustic bass and Viktors Ritovs on piano are the real deal. They are well educated and have had a long journey in the art of improvisation. Combined with Nic Gothams alto sax and Skogheim's lead to Brasilien rhythmics and sense of striking melodies, it all simply becomes beatiful. Here is a dash of Egberto Gismonti merged with an influence from the two guitarheroes Pat Metheny and John Mclaughlin. It would surprise us if Skogheim has not listened quite a bit to the percussionist Nana Vasconcelos too. Skogheim's implementation of the guitar synthesizer works out really well and creates a sound that we first mistook for a vibrafone. But first and foremost it is the lightheartedness, the flow and the joy in the music that impresses and warms us. "Joy" is an apt name for this record, though you may have to visit a specialty store to find it.


Bjørn Olav Nordahl
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Jørn Skogheim
"Joy"
Musikklosen


Joy, Fædrelandsvennen 24.10. 2000.

Fiery Jazz- guitarist


Jazz - The guitarist Jørn Skogheim from Tveit in Kristiansand is educated at the music department Kristiansand college. These last years he has lived in Oslo, and has developed a close collaboration with musicians from the Baltic states. Now he releases his first CD, where he presents himself as a perfect jazz guitarist, and a bunch of co - musicians that also play their instruments eminently. Maris Briezkalns plays the drums, Ivars Galenieks acoustic bass, Viktors Ritovs piano and Nic Gotham alto sax on six of the 12 pieces on the record. All compositions are signed by Jørn Skogheim, and find themselves in the genre of improvised and melodic jazz, but not seldom he leans towards samba - rhytmics, a modern sound and modern chordchanges, he himself uses the term "A hint of acid-jazz". It is exiting to follow Skogheim and the other musicians through the record's one hour duration. The title tune "Joy" in the middle of the cd carries fits its name, not as loud joy , but in my opinion a more quiet and personal joy, in the same way as the following composition "Samba melancholy". Try to dance to 15/4-7/4 Samba - although I cannot do it, I sense there will be some rhytmic tugs in places. Tremendous tempo in the solos both from guitar and piano, shows that the musicians know their stuff. The bassplayer even pulls of a solo here and there. In the end Jørn Skogheim discloses his background and longing in "Sueno con playa de Hamresanden"- meaning either dreaming of or dreaming at Hamresanden.
As a whole this record is both an exciting and beautiful result from a successful collaboration.


Jørn Skogheim
"Joy"
Musico MCD 612
Emil Otto Syvertsen



Indre Smaalenenes Avis 22.11.2000

A gleam of light in autumn-darkness
Jørn Skogheim
"Joy", Musico MCD 612 (2000)
playing length 64:14
Written by Trond Erikson
1 2 3 4 (5) 6


Jørn Skogheim has joined forces with jazz-musicians from Latvia, a collaboration that really creates vibrations. When Skogheim in addition has created several exellent compositions, it is really time to lend an ear. The music is delicate- though without any big surprises, but with small details that prompt the listener to put the record back in the cdplayer over and over. Many thoughts come to you as you listen to Skogheim's Beautiful guitarperformance on "Joy". He has made a clever move in allowing the music time to dwell with the listener. The quartet has brought with it the canadian sax player Nic Gotham - a new and joyful acquaintance. In a addition to Skogheim, the band consists of Maris Briezkalns - drums , Ivars Galenieks - bass and Viktors Ritovs playing the piano, and is one year old. Though it has already been on tour in Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Norway.


Oppland Arbeiderblad 23.11.2000.

Bubbling Jazz collaboration
Jørn Skogheim Quintet
Joy (Musico)


The Norwegian jazz guitarist is a new and positive acquintance for the writer. His debut record Joy is a bubbling and happy jazz record of traditional quality and style. This is name-brand jazz, where all tunes are composed by Skogheim. Together with the Latvian musicians Maris Briezkalns on drums, Ivars Galenieks (acoustic bass), Viktors Ritovs (piano) and the Canadian Nic Gotham on alto sax , the quintet gives the listeners over one hour of jazz pleasure, where several of the performers are given the opportunity to improvise. In addition to Skogheim's beatiful guitar performance - and whistling - Viktors Ritovs also makes quite an impression with his exquisite piano performance. Skogheims combination of guitar and whistling, reminds us of Toots Thielemans who is also known for the same expression. Jørn Skogheim's quintet is a musical collaboration with many countries involved, recorded in Riga after the band was established in Latvia during spring of 1999. The group has since had success with its concerts in both Latvia, Sweden and Norway. The band is once again a proof that Latvia and the two other Baltic countries has much to offer when it comes to musical quality.This cd and many other recordings the last years testify to this. The music scene there is rich, and maintains a high level, both in jazz, classical and pop music.
This new cd deserves the attention of many jazz minded people.


Odd Martin Hesjadalen


Sunnmørsposten 02.11.2000

Joyful Guitar jazz
cd
Jørn Skogheim
Musico


This release is an example that collaboration across borders often yields a positive result. The Norwegian Jørn Skogheim has joined some of the finest musicians from Latvia and together they have made a cd. "Joy" is sometimes subtle, yet still provides a positive intensity. With his guitar riffs and whistling Skogheim makes his presence known on this Cd. Personally I find the track "A tune to a special latvian lady" very exquisite. Also, the more playful title tune "Joy" beautifully flows through the loudspeakers. All musicians on this recording share a diverse background as both performers and composers. This reflects itself in the final product, although Skogheim is the composer of every track. If you like instrumental jazz in the style of the Brentwood Jazz Quartet, this record is an excellent choice. The plan is for this recording to be released on the international market next year. That's not a bad idea at all.


Sigbjørn Vedeld



Quotes from puls and jazznytt 2000, 2001

"a CD with over one hour of fine jazzmusic that can be enjoyed anytime and that will never expire"
Puls: Tor Hammerø

"full command and mastery of the guitar......as a composer Joern is extremely inventive, imaginative and manysided"
Jazznytt: Stein Kagge

Jørn Skogheim Quartet, Riga jazzfestival 2001


Jørn Skogheim LNC project , Kaunas 2ooo