Knud Jorgensen Jazz Trio – Teach me Tonight – Opus 3 Records SACD Stereo-only CD8421, 39:41 ****:
(Knud Jorgensen – piano; Johan Dielemans – drums; Sture Akerberg – doublebass)
The late Knud Jorgensen lived a great distance from the hallmark of jazz. Born in Copenhagen in 1928, he toured Scandinavia as a teenage emissary for the decidedly American music genre. He settled in Sweden in the fifties, and remained a fixture on the jazz scene until his death in 1992. Known for his nimble touch, Jorgensen was influenced by the lyrical elegance of Duke Ellington. Visiting artists, such as Toots Thielmans, Ben Webster and Harry “Sweets” Edison performed with him on various occasions. He recorded with local musicians including Sven Asmussen, Lars Erstrand, Bosse Broberg and Arne Domnerus. Known for fronting smaller ensembles (mostly trios), he was the initial recipient of the Laila and Charles Gavatin Foundation Scholarship.
A subsequent meeting with Bengt Hanson produced his most successful collaboration. Knud and Bengt became a fixture on the emerging Stockholm music scene. Performing as a duo, they created a unique chemistry and were joined, at times, by guest instrumentalists. Unfortunately, Jorgensen never reached a wide audience.
Opus 3 Records has released this Stereo-only SACD of a 1984 recording. Utilizing the familiar piano trio format (bass and drums), this collection of mostly recognizable standards is a welcome introduction to Knud Jorgensen. Appropriately, the SACD opens with the Ellington/Strayhorn classic, “Satin Doll”. Establishing a subtle tempo, the piano lead mixes chording and notation runs. Jorgensen deftly executes jaunty stops, capturing the timing essence of this great composition. The rhythm section of bass and brush drum add a nice touch to the organic fluidity. Other American popular standards are rendered with immaculate harmonics. “It Might As Well Be Spring” (from the brilliant team of Rogers and Hammerstein II) showcases an introspective, delicate touch.
Continuing the theme of sophistication, the trio picks up the tempo on “My Heart Stood Still” (Rogers/Hart). Following a melancholic introduction the pace transitions to a standard, jazz time signature. There are a variety of swing measures and improvisations that demonstrate the pianist’s acuity for the melody. Sture Akerberg delivers a deft bass solo. Jorgensen has an interesting version of “You Look Good To Me”. After starting with a classical introduction, a straight ahead, up tempo jam approximates the spontaneity of vintage Oscar Peterson Trio. Throughout the album, there is a discerning suppleness to the piano, which never upstages the songs.
This SACD is a welcome vehicle for this project. The details of the piano instrumentals are on full display. The clarity of upper register trills and rumbling lower register chords are enhanced, adding depth and texture to the performances. Teach Me Tonight extends the credibility of American jazz to unlikely horizons.
TrackList: Satin Doll; Softly As In The Morning Sunrise; Too Late Now; You Look Good To Me; It Might As Well Be Spring; My Heart Stood Still; Teach Me Tonight
— Robbie Gerson
