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Karl-Henrik Ousb?ck: Confluence

By C. Andrew Hovan
June 21, 2023
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Drummers do not always get the respect they deserve and yet, in a jazz context, their contributions are an integral part in the overall success of the music. Aside from genre leaders such as Tony Williams,

Elvin Jones

drums
1927 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Elvin Jones, and

Art Blakey

drums
1919 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Blakey, relatively few drummer-led sessions have entered into the upper echelon of recorded jazz history. However, those who cast a wider net will probably remember that drummers

Art Taylor

drums
1929 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Taylor, Bill English,

Grady Tate

drums
1932 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Grady Tate,

Joe Chambers

drums
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Chambers, and

Roy Brooks

drums
b.1938

" data-original-title="" title="">Roy Brooks contributed recordings under their own names which continue to be valued among the cognoscenti.

Touted as one of Sweden's finest jazz talents of recent years,

Karl-Henrik Ousbäck

drums
b.1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Karl-Henrik Ousb?ck is not only a masterful jazz drummer, but also a gifted composer, making him a viable new entry in the category of young artists worthy of wider recognition. For his first significant release as a leader, Ousback has assembled a cast of international talents. Vibraphonist

Simon Moullier

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Simon Moullier hails from France, while bassist

Mats Sandahl

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Mats Sandahl is a fellow Swedish cohort of Ousback's. Rounding out the line-up are Americans

Lex Korten

piano
b.1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Lex Korten on piano and saxophonist

Dayna Stephens

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Dayna Stephens.

Following the atmospheric "Intro (Incarnation)," the set gets under way via the intoxicating "With Eyes Clouded." Ousback's modus operandi here is one of collective improvisation, as Korten and Moullier trade phrases. "Microsorrows" is the longest selection here and features Korten's dense piano chords at first before Ousback enters with his insistent beat, interacting with Sandahl's resonant bass lines. The trio functions with a chemistry which is immediately palpable.

An insistent beat ushers in the sprightly "A World of Front Porches." Again, Ousback forgoes conventional restraints as Stephens, Korten, and Moullier toss off exchanges as if engaging in a tennis match. A romantic ballad performance, "Translucency" features Stephen's burly saxophone lines, with shading provided by Moullier's vibes. The overall sound recalls the chemistry achieved by

Harold Land

saxophone, tenor
1928 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Harold Land and

Bobby Hutcherson

vibraphone
1941 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Hutcherson during their Blue Note heydays in the late '60s.

Tracks such as "Purpose" and "III" take on a more swinging vibe, offering a sanguine example of Ousback's skills as an accompanist. It should come as no surprise that he is currently a valued sideman with such leaders as Lage Lund, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Jonathan Kreisberg. By contrast, "Transmogrification" is a tone poem that closes an ambitious project which bodes well for Ouback's future as a leader. Seen live, the drummer boasts admirable chops, yet he avoids the technical displays here in true service of the music.

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Track Listing

Intro (Incarnation); With Eyes Unclouded; Microsorrows; A World of Front Porches; Translucency; The Purpose; III; Layers (Detachment); Transmogrification

Personnel

Karl-Henrik Ousb?ck

drums

Lex Korten

piano

Simon Moullier

vibraphone

Dayna Stephens

saxophone, tenor

Mats Sandahl

bass

Album information

Title: Confluence | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Fresh Sound Records

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