Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series, "A Journey Through Middle-Earth," the new CD by Ad Dios, is a terrific diversion into musical fantasy. Combining basic acoustic instruments with trippy electronic notes, this album takes the listener's mind out of the box at an easy tempo. Named after the setting of the Lord of the Rings saga, the opening track, "Middle-Earth," sets the stage with looming melodies, coupled with bongos and chimes progressing from soft to powerful. Toward the end, the track "Rohan" invests the listener with the feelings of LOTR's main human character (Rohan) with electronic, regal-sounding trumpets and a steady bass line. If you're one that loves easy listening, then this is most definitely a CD for you. Just turn it on and let Ad Dios do the rest.
Yesterday we had a fantastic rehearsal with Jonte, who was a great guy and guitarist. The first tune we played was Uncle Urri immediately followed by Uncle Urri II, in which Jonte made a wonderful guitar solo. The riff, that is played in unison with guitar and keyboard, which was originally played by Johan was now taken over by Peter. Peter was in a great mood and also made a perfect guitar solo on Uncle Urri II. Therefore we decided to give Peter's solo in Urri I to Magnus and let Peter have a solo in Urri II instead. Alvaro will take one of the solos in Urri II. I am looking forward to Saturday's recording session! After this we played the rest of our tunes and Jonte played great!
For the concert at Kolingen Magnus wrote a song that he calls Tax Vobiscum. It was the second time we played it. The first time was at the rehearsal the day before the gig. Great song! I like it when everybody contributes. Here it is:
Saturday the first rehearsal with Jonte will take placed. I am really looking forward to that!!!
Enjoy another clip from Kolingen! This time it is Spooky, a tune composed by Johan Klaeson and I, originally from Reduced & Maximized. Towards the end of the song a spontaneous percussion solo emerges. Bill found a snare drum backstage and joined Anders and Åke.
Here is another tune from Kolingen. In fact, it consists of two tunes: Uncle Urri from Reformed and Uncle Urri II. It was Peter's idea two make a medley and I thought it was a very good idea and so (as I've already told you), on December 5 we will record this medley at SAE with engineer Mats Wergelius. Enjoy!
I hope you liked Amanita Muscaria from Kolingen. Now enjoy the next tune. This one was written by Peter, Anders and I and it is called Unmajor.
I talked to Jonatan "Jonte" Hansson who has accepted to take Johan Klaeson's place as guitarist. He will make his debut on December 5 on the SAE recording session. We are going to meet before that and do a jam session. I am looking forward to that.
CD Reviews Sunday, November 15, 2009 "uncut & lo-fi" by Reform (Jazz Artist from Sweden)
"uncut & lo-fi" is the 5th and latest release from the Swedish group of 9 musicians known as Reform. They have been described as "Swedish psychedelic jazz-rock for the open minded." But what this album really sounds like is excited instrumental psychedelic garage-rock that takes cues from jazz in its improvisation and sense of order. The opener, "Lion Bar," is a wild track with boisterous and echo-laced drums, plus a plethora of instruments and sounds that makes for an energetic clamor skillfully placed somewhere between music and noise. In "Uncle Urri 2" they slow things down with a more reserved blues beat overlaid with soulful, yet highly spacey, harmonica and guitar playing. For "Spooky" they give us a song that sounds like a blend of jazz and jam-band styled rock, recorded loudly in their unique "lo-fi" manner. If you are a fan of experimental instrumental music, or intrigued by garage-rock that dares to employ the methods of jazz jams, then Reform's CD, "uncut & lo-fi," is an album you would certainly be interested in hearing.
-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
You can buy the cd at CDBABY:
Yesterday Susanne, Peter and I went to see Wasa Express perform at Stampen. It was great! They played two brand new tunes. One was called Harry Schein's Impossible Mission and the other one I can't remember the name of. It is nice to hear new tunes and not only New Tuna. I was the guest bassist on one tune from their latest album, OS 2032, called Ett Brev (A Letter). On the original they play over a recording of Nils Ferlin's voice from 1944 reciting a poem called Ett Brev. Per Bruun, the bass player, recited and therefore I played bass. It was great playing with them!
On stage with Wasa Express
Wasa in action
Per "Cussion" Tjernberg joined Wasa for this concert
This is the second clip from the concert at Kolingen on November 9. This time it is Amanita Muscaria. Enjoy!
"uncut & lo-fi" is the 5th and latest release from the Swedish group of 9 musicians known as Reform. They have been described as "Swedish psychedelic jazz-rock for the open minded." But what this album really sounds like is excited instrumental psychedelic garage-rock that takes cues from jazz in its improvisation and sense of order. The opener, "Lion Bar," is a wild track with boisterous and echo-laced drums, plus a plethora of instruments and sounds that makes for an energetic clamor skillfully placed somewhere between music and noise. In "Uncle Urri 2" they slow things down with a more reserved blues beat overlaid with soulful, yet highly spacey, harmonica and guitar playing. For "Spooky" they give us a song that sounds like a blend of jazz and jam-band styled rock, recorded loudly in their unique "lo-fi" manner. If you are a fan of experimental instrumental music, or intrigued by garage-rock that dares to employ the methods of jazz jams, then Reform's CD, "uncut & lo-fi," is an album you would certainly be interested in hearing.
"uncut & lo-fi" is the 5th and latest release from the Swedish group of 9 musicians known as Reform. They have been described as "Swedish psychedelic jazz-rock for the open minded." But what this album really sounds like is excited instrumental psychedelic garage-rock that takes cues from jazz in its improvisation and sense of order. The opener, "Lion Bar," is a wild track with boisterous and echo-laced drums, plus a plethora of instruments and sounds that makes for an energetic clamor skillfully placed somewhere between music and noise. In "Uncle Urri 2" they slow things down with a more reserved blues beat overlaid with soulful, yet highly spacey, harmonica and guitar playing. For "Spooky" they give us a song that sounds like a blend of jazz and jam-band styled rock, recorded loudly in their unique "lo-fi" manner. If you are a fan of experimental instrumental music, or intrigued by garage-rock that dares to employ the methods of jazz jams, then Reform's CD, "uncut & lo-fi," is an album you would certainly be interested in hearing.
Still very happy about the GrIndie award I have edited some music from the last concert at Kolingen on the 9th of November. I will present the whole concert during the following week.
The line-up is:
Jesper Bergman: Electric bass Anders Bergman: Drums, percussion Åke Eriksson: Drums, percussion Peter Åkerberg: Electric guitar Johan Klaeson: Electric guitar Magnus Ramel: Keyboards Bill Öhrström: Harmonica
I will start this session with a number from Reformed called Happy Landing. A song inspired by the life and times of social science teacher at Saltsjöbadens Samskola, Henrik Landing.
The recording session at SAE has changed from the 12th of December to the 5th of December. A medley consisting of Uncle Urri I and II will be recorded. Technician is Mats Wergelius, a long time friend, collaborator and bass teacher.
Telia is giving me problems with my internet at home, because of that I have not written for a while.
A report:
The concert at Kolingen went great! Bill Öhrström made a fantastic first performance with us. We worked our way up to the peak of psychedelic jazz trance and ended up in Prana and in Nirvana. I am now editing the recording and the video and will make it available to you as soon as possible.
Alvaro Fernandez Gaviria's enchanting music is now available at Spotify along with the second album by Pitchblack-ltd titled Pitchblack-ltd. Check them both out they are great.
Long time collaborator, friend and fellow musician Johan Klaeson/Glasson will be leaving Reform after the gig on the 9th. Since is is one of the original members he has helped creating the sound that defines Reform. For some time back Johan has had a project together with Alexander Wiig, from the second line-up of Reform. I am really looking forward to hear some of it. I am sure it is great! I will keep you informed since I will follow their project with genuine interest. Good luck to them!!!
If you have an opinion about the choice of guitarist, just mail me: info@reform-music.com. I have some guitarist in mind myself. I won't tell you who they are yet.
Uncut & Lo-Fi is now available from CDBABY both physically and digitally.