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Cortex: G?teborg

By Eyal Hareuveni
December 3, 2012
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Norway's Cortex released its highly promising debut, Resection (Bolage), in 2011. The members of this high-octane quartet met during jazz studies in Trondheim, and began working as a band in 2007. Cortex follows the free jazz legacy of

Ornette Coleman

saxophone, alto
1930 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Ornette Coleman quartet with trumpeter

Don Cherry

trumpet
1936 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Cherry, spicing it with wise, original compositions and uncompromising performances inspired by fellow powerful Scandinavian outfits such as

Atomic

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Atomic,

The Core

" data-original-title="" title="">The Core and

The Thing

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">The Thing.

Cortex's sophomore recording, G?teborg—named after the Swedish city where it was recorded—keeps this quartet in a fresh and kicking mood, the quartet still bursting with reckless energy. Trumpeter Thomas Johansson's writing is strong, possessing a melodic touch anchored by the powerful rhythm section of bassist Ola H?yer and drummer

Gard Nilssen

drums
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Gard Nilssen. The band's camaraderie excels with telepathic, tight interplay.

The album's six compositions feature the group's breadth of musical range. Saxophonist

Kristoffer Berre Alberts

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Kristoffer Berre Alberts (a member of

SAKA

" data-original-title="" title="">SAKA) and Johansson exchange confident and challenging solos which frame the unstoppable, muscular drive of "Nicotine." The restless, rolling Nilssen leads his quartet mates into the territory of

John Zorn

saxophone, alto
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">John Zorn's

Masada

" data-original-title="" title="">Masada quartet, following that group's effortless, wild and energetic interplay and infectious sing-along melodies. The slow-burning "Endorphin" is a slow-burning piece featuring Johansson's brilliantly charismatic solo—referencing Atomic trumpeter

Magnus Broo

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Magnus Broo's free and impressive phrasing—followed by Alberts' soaring solo.

"Decibel" draws inspiration from Zorn's cut-and-paste compositional techniques, alternating between massive rhythmic pattern and Johansson and Alberts' short, focused eruptions. "Cerebrum" unfolds patiently around Johansson and Alberts' emotional yet reserved solos, rooted by Nilssen and H?yer's gentle, playful rhythm. The closing "Hub" has a loose structure that leaves room for Alberts and Johansson's inspired, ferocious articulations, pushed by a tireless rhythm section.

G?teborg establishes Cortex as one of the greatest bands currently working in Norway.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Nicotine; virus; Endorphin; Decibel; Cerebrum; Hub.

Personnel

Cortex

band / ensemble / orchestra

Thomas Johansson: trumpet; Kristoffer Alberts: saxophone; Ola H?yer: double bass; Gard Nilssen: drums.

Album information

Title: G?teborg | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Gigafon

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