Search - Terje Rypdal :: Descendre

Atmospheric, intelligent

THX1138b | NY USA | 04/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard Descendra described as "sort of new-age", an attempt to capture the fact that it is laid back, not driven by a beat or an AABA structure, somewhat open ended. It's easy to cast this CD in the new-age bin, but it would be a mistake. Descendre does not share the goals or the philosophy of that music. These musicians have their roots in free jazz and avant-garde rock. The music is atmospheric, intelligent and subtly challenging (if the drummer doesn't keep time, what does he do?). Rypdal plays guitar with the finesse of a violin, coaxing texture from the metal strings you wouldn't think possible. The result is a substantial music that will continue to reward each listening."

Loved it then, love it more now

JP | 02/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album on vinyl over 20 years ago. The first track is the kind of piece that you can't get out of your head, it sticks with you and becomes part of your life. The rest of the tracks support it wonderfully. While the record player was broken I found myself craving this music again more and more, so I upgraded to digital download recently since the CD is hard to find.



What makes this work so amazing is that Rypdal manages to create something profound, unique, and beautiful all at the same time: it is like nothing else out there and it is awesome. This is a hard thing to accomplish in the often predictable and disappointing jazz guitar fusion genre. It is timeless stuff, and a real masterwork, especially if you're into that ECM sound.



In my opinion the best Rypdal album ever."