Masterclasses come in many forms. The best do not come by that name or purpose and yet exist in such a way as records. That's the added value here. Each one teach one and Out of the Loop could well be your very own personal educational adviser and even more change your life if you are new to Håkon Kornstad's playing and still getting your shit together as a saxophonist. You'll be sucked in. Beyond all that it works as a recreational listen to fully absorb. On this showing Kornstad's playing is up there, no small praise to lob about recklessly, with John Surman. Solo saxophone recorded in an Oslo church, reasons to listen include: timbral variety; a melodic sense shaped by an experimental dimension; the soloist via tech as orchestra-improviser-composer reacting in the moment; staggering tonguing; tonal euphony; keying captured well in the audio throughout most especially heard on 'Pearlfisher' and there's more. Come to listen, stick around for the contemplation. Out now on Jazzland
Tags: