Neil Spencer 

Marius Neset: Birds – review

Dazzling young Norwegian saxophonist Marius Neset goes from strength to strength, writes Neil Spencer
  
  


Young Scandinavian jazzers continue to surprise and delight with their unorthodoxy. Extravagantly gifted 27-year-old Marius Neset is a case in point. A fluent tenor saxophonist, he's also a composer able to shape-shift between classicism and funky improvisation. This follow-on from 2011's feted Golden Xplosion ranges freely across styles, using a six-piece brass section, vibes and accordion. The title track begins as playful and quirky as blackbird song before developing a complex brass score. Spring Dance is a lyrical duet with Neset's sister on flute. Neset's melodic bop infuses Fields of Clubs, while Math of Mars is dreamy and Fanfare reminiscent of Aaron Copeland. Outstanding.

 

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