Sunna Gunnlaugs: Long Pair Bond

Sunna Gunnlaugs (piano)

Long Pair Bond  (self produced; 2011)

Scott McLemore (drums)

Thorgrimur Jonsson (bass)

I discovered Sunna Gunnlaugs only earlier this year, but since then I have consumed alot of her music and have been truly captivated. Her style is intimate and her use of space is exciting and has you hanging on every note.

Sunna Gunnlaugs is an independent artist who has created her own path with seven unbelievable albums that go from strength to strength. I loved her last album The Dream (in fact I raved about it). But I think her new album, Long Pair Bond is phenomenal! An even more intimate and introspective album than its predecessor, Gunnlaugs continues to elevate as a composer and a musician.

The trio setting demands more of the listener. It's an opportunity to absorb the emotion of the session and feel the movement of each instrument. "Long Pair Bond" sets sail with a lovely tone. Gunnlaug's playing carries you along slowly and gently down a rugged stream. Jonsson's bass fills the room but never overpowers the notes. McLemore adds poignant timing that gives a "Long Pair Bond" an additional punch towards its conclusion. On "Thema" Gunnlaugs and Jonsson's mixture of Latin and classical merged into a solemn progression that somehow is still quietly uplifting.

"Crab Cannon," a piece originally performed by the same trio a year ago, sounds more invigorating here in the studio. The production is obviously more crisp than its live sister version but Gunnlaugs obviously performed this piece on a number of occasions so this version delivers more impact through experience. McLemore's drummer jumps out with freedom and spirit that should really get any listener excited. "Fyrir Byrnhildi", a richly driven piece buoyed by Jonsson and Gunnlaugs, is warm and inviting. A delicately crafted number with almost gospel touches that has quietly become my personal favourite on Long Pair Bond.

"Vicious World" closes the album beautifully, with the focus squarely on Gunnlaugs. McLemore and Jonsson add light swatches of colour to the outside but momentum lays within the vibrant and inspirational performance of Gunnlaugs. This is an intimate piece that would probably bring the house down in a large recital hall.

In the independent spirit of the 21st Century, Sunna Gunnlaugs has taken the exciting and adventurous journey into the fan-supported release world (a grass-roots version of venture capital). Utilizing the organization of Kickstarter we can all support the physical production of Long Pair Bond with a small donation to the creation of the album. There are a number of different levels of support that we can contribute. Each with the right and appropriate reward for you.

This is a great opportunity for artists and fans to be a part of something special. If you are a fan of Sunna. A fan of jazz. A fan of exemplary jazz. Then this is an opportunity for us all to put our collective spirit and force together for the good of great music.

Join Sunna Gunnlaugs and enjoy a truly phenomenal album--Long Pair Bond.

Arni Karlsson: Boundaries

Arni Karlsson Trio

Boundaries (Dimma Music; 2009)

Arni Karlsson (piano)

Gunnar Hrafnsson (bass)

Matthias Hemstock (drums)

Iceland is quickly becoming one of my favourite jazz spots in the last few months. With exciting young thinkers like Asa Trio and Sunna Gunnlaugs, the scene is on the cusp of something great.


I reached back into my decks and I found an album I hadn't spent much time with in quite a few months--the lovely Arni Karlsson and one of his rare releases, Boundaries (Dimma Music)

After spending most of his younger years training as a classical pianist, Reykjavik based Arni Karlsson then began to balance both his studies and his love for jazz. But he has also experimented with deep house grooves as well writing classical compositions. The interesting thing is how Karlsson has been able to separate his alter-egos. By listening to each varying identity you wouldn't know he was the mastermind behind any of them. That's real talent.

Karlsson has so far only recorded two jazz influenced sessions but Boundaries has always struck me as the most satisfying as it's an intimate date in a trio setting. This is an album that really took a long time to seep into my consciousness. Once it did the melodies couldn't escape me for weeks. There is a gentle tone to the proceeding that is bettered by the superb performances of each member.

The title track "Boundaries" has an element of Keith Jarrett but it is still intimate and reflective enough to present a few twists and changes that give the listener a sense of the creativity and direction Karlsson wants to take you. The Latin rhythm of "Endless Journey" builds beautifully with rolling patterns that move the hips back and forth. It reminds me of lighter material from the Oscar Peterson Trio. Hrafnsson and Hemstock lay a firm but understated groove just below Karlsson's chord lines.

"Confuciousness" demonstrates Karlsson moving in an improvised direction that provides a number of stop/start moments that may take the listener by surprise, but just hang with it. As the piece unfolds and the melody moves in and out, you begin to find your own home and rhythm within the abstract structure. Its exciting, bold, bluesy and improvisation, all of which I love rolled into one piece. "Unborn" is a solemn number that evokes American gospel and a search for some order within confusion. "Unborn" contains a passion that should connect with every listener upon first listen. A wonderful way to close out the session.

Arni Karlsson released Boundaries two years ago but it still resonates for me. It's an album I've really wanted to talk about but only until a few months ago did I start listening to again on a regular basis. If this were from 2011 it would definitely be an album of the year listen. Exquisite lyrical structure, passionate performances and a real sense of adventure when there needs to be. This is what makes Boundaries an album worth seeking out. Highly Recommended.