Kurt J

Kurt J: Make a Bet

by Jack Bowers
June 1, 2002

One never knows quite what to expect when called upon to review discs by “unknown” musicians from overseas. Will the music be straight–ahead and accessible or free–form and impenetrable? Happily, Swedish multi–instrumentalist Kurt Järnberg’s new album lands squarely in the former camp. What’s more, it’s a delight to hear as, thanks to overdubbing, Järnberg “accompanies” himself on various instruments — trumpet, flugel, euphonium, and valve and slide trombone. Equally pleasing are the sunny compositions and arrangements by Järnberg (five), pianist ...