Point

This intriguing set features the advanced compositions of drummer Anders Kjellberg arranged for a sextet by bassist Lars Danielsson. Louis Sclavis contributes consistently fiery clarinet and bass clarinet solos, Tore Brunborg sounds quite lyrical and passionate on tenor, keyboardist Stale Storlokken adds versatility, and Marco Ambrosini's key fiddle is a bit of a wild card, if under-utilized. While the opening, "Point," is a little reminiscent of Ornette Coleman, in general the music sounds quite original, ranging from post-bop to freebop. There are many exciting moments along the way (as when the two horns battle each other on "Don" and during Brunborg's soprano solo on "Zoom"), and the originals have enough diversity to hold the program together as a type of suite. Other than Sclavis and to a lesser extent Danielsson, these musicians are not household names in the American jazz world, but jazz collectors should go out of their way to acquire this inspired effort.