This multifaceted recording draws inuence from the music of the Japanese shakuhachi,
contemporary electronica, Scandinavian folk music, both European and American
jazz traditions as well as tonal, atonal and microtonal composition.
The majority of the tunes are penned by the saxophonist who is in good company.
Many jazz fans will know Icelandic guitarist Hilmar Jensson from his work with Jim Black’s
Alas No Axis. Per Oddvar Johansen has a number of ECM releaces under his belt with The
Source, Trygve Seim and Christian Wallumrød while Rune Nergaard perfoms
regularly with Bushman’s Revenge who can be heard on the Runegrammofon label.
Recorded at the famous Rainbow Studios by legendary engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug
who is responsible for so many of the classic recordings of European jazz on the
ECM label, this record shows a certain inuence from this environment. Yet inspite of
its context the Debut recording by the Australian saxophonist betrays a far reaching
plurality of musical tributaries. Rorke has been among the Nordic lands for a while
now, and his previously works as a sideman won Icelandic jazz album of the year with
his Nordic cohorts during a short stint spent cooling himself on that abstracted isle.
This recording is also presents a far too rare union of Hilmar Jensson’s wonderful
guitarmanship with some of his Norwegian neighbours. This group is denitely one
to watch, as is Rorke himself and SATU’s interesting jazz releases.
DANIEL RORKE – SAN’AN
Label: SATU # 09/02
Website: www.satumusikk.com
Daniel Rorke – Saxophones
Hilmar Jensson – Guitar
Rune Nergaard – Bass
Per Oddvar Johansen – Drums
Recorded by Jan Erik Kongshaug in
Rainbow Studios Oslo, Norway,
August 2009.
