As a young man, Heine Hansen applied for admission to the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, but was told that they couldn’t teach him anything that he hadn’t already mastered. Then as now, he has always let the music speak for itself, or rather, let his fingers do the talking. Hence the title. At the age of 41, he has never sounded better, of which this recording is a beautiful example. As a pianist and composer, Heine Hansen pays tribute to the American roots of jazz but also lets his music expand and embrace the fine Scandinavian music tradition that has been created over the past 50 years by Jan Johansson, Thomas Clausen, Jan Garbarek, Palle Mikkelborg and others. After all, playing jazz is a musical apprenticeship and Heine Hansen has worked with american masters, and been af member of bassist Hugo Rasmussen and the legendary Alex Riel's bands.
The music speaks for itself. Rarely will you have heard a more exuberant trio. With Thomas Fonnesbæk’s powerful bass front and centre, Heine Hansen and Alex Riel are unleashed. Chances are taken and musical quotes are made from the great songbook of jazz, all while the music flows through Heine Hansen’s light Scandinavian vein. Entirely exciting, wholly unpredictable and utterly creative. As arranger, composer and pianist, it is to Heine Hansen’s credit that this recording is so accomplished.
The compositions provide scope and inspiration for bass and drums, while his masterly piano playing challenges Fonnesbæk and Riel. Heine Hansen impels the trio to reach a level that amazes the listener – the very highpoint when time and place merge into the ultimate NOW. Such achievements are only for the greatest, here performed by Heine Hansen together with Danish super bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk and one of the world’s most original drummers, 77-year-old Alex Riel.
Outstandingly conceived and even more perfectly executed. Trio jazz at its best.
