STRANDBERG PROJECT — X (review)

STRANDBERG PROJECT — X album cover Album · 2020 · Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Matti P
(Originally written in Finnish for colossus.fi in 2020.)

Jan-Olof Strandberg from Finland is a so called musicians' musician. For the big audience his name doesn't necessarily ring a bell, but within the scene of prog and fusion the bassist enjoys steady international respect. His excellent playing can be heard on the albums of prog act Paidarion, guitarist Ilkka Rantamäki, vocalist Timo Turpeinen and many others.

X is a logical successor to the preceding album Progressive Construction (2018) of the bassist's own unit Strandberg Project, recorded mostly by the same line-up. Whereas that album contained also one vocal track sung by Jukka Gustavson, X is entirely instrumental. The compositions are mainly by Strandberg and guitarist Sami Virtanen. The atmospheric opening track 'Anni', written by the latter, features the beatboxing master Felix Zenger, who Strandberg names in his forewords as one of the most interesting artists of the day.

Strandberg's piece 'Good News' keeps shifting between a powerful (and a bit monotonous) main phrase and more delicate sections where the bass sounds are truly enjoyable. 'Late August Nights' and the feelgood piece 'Happy Country' are crowned by maestro Juhani Aaltonen's flute. A couple of shortest pieces were born from studio jamming, and the album is closed with Aaltonen's beautiful composition 'The Finale (Thank You)'.

The album's overall mood is rather restrained, and despite the excellent musicianship the listener may miss a little wilder jazz spirit. Recommended especially for bass enthusiasts.
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