Dive into the raw and unbridled world of avant-garde jazz with Frode Gjerstad's "Hasselt," a powerful live album that captures the essence of free jazz in its purest form. Released on February 27, 2014, via Not Two Records, this album is a testament to Gjerstad's mastery of the clarinet and his ability to push the boundaries of musical expression.
"Hasselt" features five electrifying tracks, each a unique journey into the depths of improvisational jazz. The album showcases Gjerstad alongside Paal Nilssen-Love on drums and Sabir Mateen on saxophone, creating a dynamic trio that delivers a performance of intense energy and spontaneity. Recorded live at Kunstencentrum België in Hasselt, Belgium, the album captures the raw, unfiltered sound of a band in full flight, with each musician contributing to a collective exploration of sound and rhythm.
The album's five tracks, titled "Hasselt #1" through "Hasselt #5," are a testament to the band's improvisational prowess. Each piece is a standalone exploration of free jazz, with the musicians weaving intricate patterns of sound and silence, creating a sonic landscape that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The album's duration of 58 minutes ensures that there is plenty of material to sink your teeth into, with each track offering a unique perspective on the band's collective vision.
For fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, "Hasselt" is an essential addition to any collection. The album's raw, unfiltered sound and the band's fearless approach to improvisation make it a standout release in the genre. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of free jazz, "Hasselt" is sure to captivate and inspire. So, grab your headphones and prepare to be transported to the front row of a live jazz performance like no other.