This is Nilsson’s debut album as a leader although she has played extensively with Tim Hagens, Kenny Barron and Ron Carter as well as her Scandinavian colleagues.
Nilsson is a hard-driving drummer who swings at all tempi and is in the tradition of Roach, Blakey and Philly Joe Jones. She contributed four originals to the programme of nine tracks with the addition of For A Father / Dirge For Europe added on CD only. The album was compiled from two separate trio sessions, one with Gabor Bolla on tenor and the second with US pianist Aaron Parks. The album has a feel of hard bop at the roots with occasional ventures into free territory.
The opening selection, John’s Abbey, is played at a very brisk tempo in true Bud Powell bop mode. This was recorded as a duo for piano and drums and Franck’s bass parts were dubbed in later. It does not show though and plays as an integrated first-time performance.
Ornette Coleman’s The Sphinx is played at lightning tempo with both Bolla and the drummer riding the rapid tempo easily. Franck’s bass line was played with them on this and the rest of the tracks. Parks plays a long, slightly dissonant piano introduction to Where Do You Go before Franck and Nilsson join him to fashion a gently flowing ballad reading. Ugly Beauty is played straight, with no attempt to produce Monk-type styling. This attractive release finishes with That Was Recording Right?, an uptempo blues with swirling solos that, fortunately, was recorded.
Discography
(1) John’s Abbey; Ninni/Motions; Where Do You Go; The Wanderer; (2) The Sphinx; East Of The Sun & West Of The Moon; Ugly Beauty; Saturn’s Return; (1) That Was Recording Right? (47.04)
Nilsson all tracks with (1) Aaron Parks (p); Daniel Franck (b). Denmark, June 2023. (2) Gabor Bolla (ts); Daniel Franck (b). Denmark, January 2023.
Stunt LP 23091 / Stunt CD 23092
