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Per G?rdin: loos

By Eyal Hareuveni
December 2, 2013
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Swedish, Stockholm-based free improviser, saxophonist

Per Gärdin

saxophone
b.1956

" data-original-title="" title="">Per G?rdin continues to expand his solo art on this, his sophomore album which follows In Situ (released on his own label, Ibn Musik, 2010). This album is a set of improvisations for solo saxophone G?rdin's musical resume includes collaborations with other prominent Swedish improvisers such as the pianist Lisa Ull��n, and guitarist

David Stackenäs

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">David Stacken?s, and also a recent tour with the Portuguese RED Trio.

loos is a set of 15 solo improvisations for soprano and alto saxophones. It is a methodical study of the sonic spectrum of these instruments with a conscious effort to present a personal language and sound, incorporating the innovative developments of sax players such as

Evan Parker

saxophone, soprano
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Evan Parker and

Steve Lacy

saxophone, soprano
1934 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Lacy but not shadowed by their unique language. G?rdin has an impressive control on both instruments and his playing is associative and free flowing. He moves between the intense and urgent mode as on "Nan II" to the exploratory on "Skox (for s.l.)" (referencing Polish science fiction writer Stanislaw Lem as well as Lacy) to the fragile and contemplative series of the seven short "K" improvisations, with a subtle use of overtones, and the strict minimalism of "Re: call II."

The two longest improvisations, "Nan III" and "Dr Trana" feature G?rdin using extended breathing techniques in order to weave a dense mosaic of sounds, changing tempos, and feelings in an arresting manner, tough the demanding spirit of the entire album.

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Track Listing

Re: call I; Nan I; Nan II; Skox (for s.l.); K II a; K VI; K V; K VII; K VIII; K IX; K III b; Nan III; Re: call II; Dr Trana; Ibn.

Personnel

Per G?rdin

saxophone

Per G?rdin: soprano saxophone, alto saxophone.

Album information

Title: loos | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Ibn Musik

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