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“Light Extracts” is the second album by nu jazz guitarist Eivind Aarset. Released in 2001 when the nu genre was still establishing its goals and boundaries, you could say that “Extracts” has the usual elements of a nu jazz record from this period, but it is hardly just a trendy cliché. Although the nu jazz phenomena has been exploited by some who have the right sound but no substance, the same can’t be said of this album where Aarset produces music that has deep soul and emotional maturity. For those seeking the classic nu jazz sound, its all here; dark somber moods, ambient electronics, Kiranic flavored horn solos and subtle world music flavored drum machine loops. The expected influences of Nils Petter Molvaer, Jon Hassell and mid-70s Miles hang heavy over this recording, in fact Molvaer makes a guest appearance on one cut. Despite the ambient nature of this disc, it never becomes boring as Aarset keeps things interesting with varying sound textures and good compositional structures.
As is the case with a lot of nu jazz recordings, the occasional crossover into heavier rock territory might prove problematic for some. “Between Signal & Noise” starts with an ambient drumnbass beat, but then shifts into all out space rock attack when the guitar solo kicks in, its head-bangin time. Aarset further proves he’s no fluff on the guitar on “Self Defence” where he plays a fierce Pete Cosey style solo over a frantic jungle beat. Overall an excellent nu jazz recording that should easily stand the test of time and become a fusion classic.