classical / singer/songwriter
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There comes a time in everybody's life when a person has to do things differently, tone down and take a step back from the bustle and racket from everyday life. Over the years I've seen many musicians suddenly take on a different approach, usually minimalistic and serene. Like the death metal drummer who suddenly rediscovered the piano at his grandmother's house and started playing it. That man is now widely successful and praised for his work. That man's name is Olafur Arnalds.
There's quite a similar story to be found on this album. Exec is Troels Abrahamsen, most notable for being the vocalist for Danish electro-rock band Veto. He too rediscovered the piano, a instrument he knew very well as a child. Fascinated by the warm, analog sound of this instrument, he started working on new songs, featuring nothing but the piano and his distinct voice. The result is this splendid album, a solo performance in the best possible way.
There's another Olafur Arnalds reference. The songs on this album remind me a lot of some of the ones on 'For Now I Am Winter', more specifically the ones with vocals. Both excel in creating an atmosphere of solittude and often complete loneliness. But not necessarily in a bad way. It feels a bit like sitting near an open fire in the heart of winter, cozy and soothing. It's both modest and emotional.
My advice? Well, fact is that Mr. Abrahamsen has a distinct voice which might take some getting used to at first. However, it still is a strong voice with plenty of timbre and dynamics to carry this album to a high level. I do recommend this album to any fan of his work in Veto and as a vocalist in Kölsch and Audion. The album shows a different style, one that I like a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if Exec shows up on some of Europe's jazz-festival stages this summer, or in large theater venues.
Serge
There's quite a similar story to be found on this album. Exec is Troels Abrahamsen, most notable for being the vocalist for Danish electro-rock band Veto. He too rediscovered the piano, a instrument he knew very well as a child. Fascinated by the warm, analog sound of this instrument, he started working on new songs, featuring nothing but the piano and his distinct voice. The result is this splendid album, a solo performance in the best possible way.
There's another Olafur Arnalds reference. The songs on this album remind me a lot of some of the ones on 'For Now I Am Winter', more specifically the ones with vocals. Both excel in creating an atmosphere of solittude and often complete loneliness. But not necessarily in a bad way. It feels a bit like sitting near an open fire in the heart of winter, cozy and soothing. It's both modest and emotional.
My advice? Well, fact is that Mr. Abrahamsen has a distinct voice which might take some getting used to at first. However, it still is a strong voice with plenty of timbre and dynamics to carry this album to a high level. I do recommend this album to any fan of his work in Veto and as a vocalist in Kölsch and Audion. The album shows a different style, one that I like a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if Exec shows up on some of Europe's jazz-festival stages this summer, or in large theater venues.
Serge