Artist: Jon Opstad

Date of Release: 02/08/2004

Catalogue no: NCR 1001

Label: New Canvas Records

Price: £12

Add to Shopping Basket

Track Listing

Still Picture is the debut recording by drummer/composer Jon Opstad. Drawing on a range of influences, including Kenny Wheeler, Jan Garbarek, Eberhard Weber, David Darling and Herbie Hancock, the music is varied and atmospheric. The compositions explore the textural possibilities of the instrumentation, from the combined horns to Ebowed fretless bass to the title-track’s layered cello parts, whilst leaving space for the highly individual soloing of Cosgrove and Rogerson.


Simon Cosgrove – Soprano Saxophone
David Gange – Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Tom Rogerson – Piano
James Opstad – Fretless Bass, Cello
Chris Hill – Double Bass (track 1)
Jon Opstad – Drums

Recorded in Cambridge & Bristol, February to September 2003

Mixed at Rainbow Studio, Oslo by Jan Erik Kongshaug

Reviews

01/10/2006  The Penguin Guide To Jazz

"Opstad’s debut is an appealing set steeped in the Northern European lyricism which is, perhaps, a common currency for those who grew up with Garbarek and Rypdal albums somewhere nearby."

02/08/2004 John Kelman, Allabout Jazz

“British composer/drummer Jon Opstad may only be in his early 20s, but he has already fashioned his own take on the ECM aesthetic, combining some of its more recognizable European elements with a slightly more American framework....

Opstad's ensemble clearly understands the concept of taking the necessary time to allow a piece to breathe and gradually evolve; and the title track is a fine example of the five compositions on Still Picture, all of which take their good time and, consequently, create a relaxed ambience that is far too rarely heard these days.....

Considering the youngest member of this band is 16 and the oldest is 23, the musical maturity and clearness of conception shown on Still Picture is considerable.”

22/05/0005 Jazzwise

"An accomplished and engaging debut... We'll clearly be hearing a lot more from Opstad."

20/02/0005 Jazz Journal International

“I’m tempted to call it the 21st century Birth of the Cool.”

06/12/0004 Bristol Evening Post

“A mightily impressive album from a major talent in the making”

28/11/0004 E.J.Ianelli, AllAboutJazz.com

“[Still Picture] heralds the arrival of an intelligent and gifted young talent.”

15/10/0004 JazzViews.co.uk

“Really good, worth checking out and then worth repeated plays.”